REMEMBER TO PRAISE

Today's reading: Psalm 134-136

"Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord, you who serve in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God." Psalm 135:1-2 NLT

To Whom It May Concern:

Be it Sunday School teachers...

Worship leaders...

Door greeters...

Pastors...

Piano players, drum-beaters or guitar strummers...

Sound booth operators...

Deacons, lay members, committee chairpersons...

Dirty diaper changers...

Church janitors...

Pew sitters...

In all you do, in all the areas where you serve (or sit, or stand, or operate in your duty to the Lord), remember to praise!

Don't just help usher others into a heart of praise.

Don't just make yourself present at a service to check a box for your week.

Don't just provide a Scripture.

Don't just teach a lesson.

Don't just show up.

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

ENCOURAGED

Today's reading: Ezra 6-10

"...I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me..." Ezra 7:28 NLT

As I sit here in my prayer chair sporting my 'Simply Blessed' tshirt, sipping from my autumn mug, smack dab in the middle of Thanks-vember preparing to make a grocery list for the upcoming meal of gratitude--I think about this verse.

Thankful.

Grateful.

Blessed.

Encouraged!

What better, more fitting word, might there be than 'encouraged'.

In a world that attempts to beat us up and tear us down...

In a day and time when standing out marks you as heretic...

In a place where it seems God is pushed to the side...

We should all be encouraged that the gracious hand of the Lord our God is upon us!

Protecting us. Guiding us. Helping us. Correcting us. Comforting us. Being present with us.

 

THE PROBLEM WITH THINKING

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 17-19

"You will soon arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, and you will conquer it and settle there. Then you may begin to think, We ought to have a king like the other nations around us." Deuteronomy 17:14 NLT

God knows his people well enough to know that 'enough' is never enough. 

He knows when He gives us an inch, we want a mile.

He understands that when He blesses us, we want more blessings.

He gets that what is just outside our grasp, what our neighbor has, and what is not best for us will always lure us away from completely trusting Him.

I don't believe He had these words written in the Bible as an excuse for our behavior, but as a 'check engine' light for our hearts.

When we start wanting more...

When we desire what others have...

When what we have feels lacking...

When something glittery catches our eye...

When we're not satisfied in all He surrounds us with...

When those inklings arise, let's check our hearts. Let's examine our motives. Let's be intentional with our gratitude. Let's carefully consider where greed might have crept into our lives.

GROWING OTHERS

Today's reading: Acts 17-18

"After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back to Galatia and Phrygia, visiting all the believers, encouraging them and helping them grow in the Lord." Acts 18:23 NLT

Helping others to grow in the Lord is an example Paul sets for us all throughout the book of Acts.

He spends time proclaiming the Good News about Jesus. He has hands-on impact in the lives of those he wants to see come to know the Lord. He makes every effort to reach more and more. And he follows up, encourages and continues to pour into the lives of the believers.

Are we doing the same?

As soon as the round of applause, the hearts amens and the handshakes end after the announcement of a new believer's choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior--are we following up?

Are we giving them opportunity to immerse themselves in the Word of God--on a level suitable for them?

Are we plugging them in to communities or groups that befriend them, minister to them, go through life with them?

Are we checking in on them when we notice they miss a service, or two, or three?

Are we praying for them--better yet, are we praying with them?

Are we coming alongside these new believers beyond the day they prayed the prayer of salvation?

GIFTS

Today's reading: 1 Peter 4-5

"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Mange them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

I'm talking to the churchfolk who wear several hats in their congregation...

The ones who are on several committees, serve in numerous roles and play various roles in every Sunday's gathering.

The ones who slide into the parking lot on two wheels, run from their cars to the door, make a mad dash to the copier, rush through the lesson of Noah and the ark with the littles, catch a quick bathroom break before playing the piano, providing a solo, greeting all the newcomers AND head the meeting that's being held after services end.

You.

God's apparently given you many gifts--are you managing them well?

Are you focused on where He wants you, so that He is glorified?

Are you all-in serving the ministry He has for you, or are you spread thinly across many missions?

Are you experiencing the rest God offers us as His, or are you always flustered, frantic and frustrated?

Are you involved in many things, but missing out on the main thing?

Are you glorifying God in every act of service, or are you grumbling and groaning to all who will listen?

Take some time to prayerfully consider how well you are managing your God-given gifts.

 

 OUR PRIVILEGE

Today's reading: Zechariah 1-7

"...This is what the Lord Almighty says: If you follow my ways and obey my requirements, then you will be given authority over my Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk in and out of my presence along with these others standing here." Zechariah 3:6-7 NLT

Did you catch the promise?

IF we follow God's ways and obey His commands, THEN we will be given the privilege of walking in and of His presence.

We will be given access.

We will be granted entrance to the throne room of God.

We will be gifted with an 'in'.

We will be allowed approach and an ear.

That's an awfully grand gesture on the part of our loving God!

 GIGGLING AT THE SCRIPTURES

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7-8

"Being wise is as good as being rich; in fact, better." Ecclesiastes 7:11 NLT

This morning, I'll admit, I giggled at this Scripture.

Not in an unbelieving way--because I know the proverb is true.

But in a 'take it to the bank' kind of way.

You see, I'll never be able to cash a check on the bank of my wisdom.

I'll never ace a test that will show I needn't set a new vehicle up on a payment plan.

I'll always need to pay as I go through the drive-thru, I won't get a burger and fries on my IQ alone.

As I laugh my way through these scenarios, I know only through God's gift of wisdom will I have the intelligence to understand this verse at all.

The Comforter/Interpreter/Revealer speaks God's Word into our hearts in ways that our brains can't do.

So, because of His presence in my life--I'm one smart cookie!

REVISITING

Today's reading: Psalm 131-133

"...I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me." Psalm 131:1 NLT

If you caught a glimpse of my 'morning Bible'. The one I use for my quiet time. The one I usually reference in writing my blog posts. The one that I have had since Christmas of 2000. You would notice the above verse underlined. Highlighted. It's margins marked with dates, five dates to be exact. (I date each verse I use in my writings.)

This is a verse I revisit. It's on my daily Bible reading plan for the middle of November each year, but I have also camped out on it several times over the course of the past 20+ years.

And I still don't have it cemented into my heart.

Or consistently guiding my path.

Or being my ingrained response.

I, Malinda Edgell, often concern myself with matters too great and awesome for me.

I have a tendency to think I am a superhero. A cape-wearing woman of immense powers. God.

I have spent the past half century attempting to over-think, think through and think-to-death so many matters that were not mine to deal with. 

Can you relate?

Do you worry and fret over details? Imagined problems? About what-ifs? Do you find your thoughts rehearsing scenarios that you might need to worry about?

Do you find yourself attempting to play God in the lives of loved ones, personal problems or life in general?

Does your mind get wrapped up in things that are above, beyond, beneath or much bigger than you?

This verse is our reminder to let God be God--even in our thoughts. 

FAMILY RECORDS

Today's reading: Ezra 1-5

"Three families of priests--Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai--also returned to Jerusalem. (This Barzillai had married a woman who was a descendent of Barzillai of Gilead, and he had taken her family name.) But they had lost their genealogical records, so they were not allowed to serve as priests. The governor would not even let them eat the priests' share of the food from the sacrifices until there was a priest who could consult the Lord about the matter by means of sacred lots." Ezra 2:61-63 NLT

Long story short?

The Jewish people had been exiled from Israel and were now beginning to come back after 70+ years. This return was fraught with heartache, expense, political unrest AND red tape.

You see, some of the returning Jews couldn't find their documentation. Their 'passports'. Their family records.

Imagine that? After being taken as spoils of war, political prizes, wartime casualties, they had misplaced their paperwork.

Ever feel like that?

Your enemy accuses...

Your enemy blames...

Your enemy spouts lies...

Your enemy casts doubt...

And you feel as if you are left scrambling to provide proof of who you are. Whose you are.

Let me tell you this (after having told myself the same thing)--If you are a child of God...

If you have prayed a prayer asking for His forgiveness...

If you have knelt at an altar, or a bedside, or a couch, or in a parked card, and admitted your need for a Savior...

If you have received His precious gift of Jesus as your Lord...

You have all the proof you need!

Jesus Himself stands up and verifies your identity as His.

Your enemy cannot dispute His word.

Your enemy cannot demand more proof than His blood.

Your enemy cannot stand against His claim on you.

If you are His, you are His--no doubt about it!

 THE SIN OF IDOLATRY

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13-15

Idolatry-The worship of something or someone other than God.

If you want a quick glimpse into God's stance against idolatry, read Deuteronomy 13.

Then, read it again. It's that serious!

He desires that our hearts love none but Him. That our affections are upon Him. That our minds focus on Him.

Not because He needs us--quite the opposite! We need Him!

What's taking His place in your heart and life?

Where does your mind wander when you have free time?

Consider your relationships--are there any idols you are worshiping with your time, attention or identity?

Take a quick evaluation of your motives--why do you do what you do?

Think about your concerns--what triggers depressive moods in your head and heart?

Your priorities? Your finances? Your prayer life? Your abilities?

Do a self-inventory of what inspires you, motivates you, gives you security, peace and worth. Consider what you depend on, lean into when tough times arrive, what permeates your conversations.

It's quite doubtful your 'idols' are sitting on shelves. If they are anything like the ones God has brought to my attention, they're probably using up your time, taking up head space and quietly luring you away from Him.

 A RETURN VISIT

Today's reading: Acts 15-16

"After some time Paul said to Barnabas, Let's return to each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are getting along." Acts 15:36 NLT

Paul's suggestion of a return visit has struck a chord within me...

It's gotten me to thinking...

It's made me pause and reflect...

It's caused me to ask myself (and now I'm asking you) a few questions...

If the pastor, that was speaking the Easter Sunday morning I got saved, visited with me today, would he see spiritual growth in my life?

If the Lord were to visit the church I attend, would He see me as a vital member--encouraging, edifying, uplifting and attempting to help others?

If I were quizzed, in some way, as to my knowledge of the Word and my application of it--would I be found to be progressing nicely?

How might I measure up in regards to Christian disciplines if the Lord were to administer a test?

Just how am I getting along since the day I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior?

 GETTING DRESSED FOR THE DAY

Today's reading: Colossians 3:12 

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 NLT

Am I choosing as wisely in how I dress?

If it's cold outside, I don't wear shorts. 

If the temperatures soar, I don't wear a heavy parka.

But dressing in God's attributes--mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?

Always appropriate!

ENTERING SILENTLY

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 5-6

"As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don't be a fool who doesn't realize that mindless offerings to God are evil." Ecclesiastes 5:1 NLT

What would happen this Lord's Day if you and I chose to walk into our houses of worship silently? Saying nothing. No talking. No conversations. No small talk.

For some of us, folks would think we were mad at the world.

For others of us, people would be very, very concerned.

For even others of us, our brothers and sisters in Christ would assume aliens had taken over our bodies.

But what if we chose to walk in this week listening for God?

Ears wide open?

Hearts even more widely open?

-To hear His words in a different tone.

-To hear His convictions deep down in the part of our hearts that move us to change.

-To hear the hearts of others struggling with their loads.

-To hear instruction straight from God as to what we need to do, or stop doing.

-To be able to pray in the Spirit and not aloud as to impress the crowd.

What might it be like to offer our worship silently? To give Him our full attention instead of our words commanding the attention of others?

Keeping our ears open and our mouths shut--what a challenging thought!

 

COUNTING ON THE LORD
Today's reading: Psalm 128-130

"I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word." Psalm 130:5 NLT

Election 2024 has been declared complete and a winner announced.

The election results leave our country as divided as before the polls opened--half of our country cheering the winner, the other half grumbling because their opponent lacked the votes.

I hope you took the opportunity to vote. To make your opinion known. To allow the United States of America to hear from you.

I did.

I took the time. I made the effort. I stood in line. I marked the little bubbles. I wore the 'I Voted' sticker proudly all day.

What I did not do?

I did not expect any single person on the ballot before me to be the one to fix the problems in our nation!

I am counting on the Lord to do that.

Not a political party. Not a sitting president. Not a house or a senate. Not a consortium of individuals. Not even a king.

Except the One True King.

My hope is in what God says in His Word, no if's, and's or but's about it.

Only when our hearts and minds, individually, turn to God, will our country, as a whole, turn to the Lord and our problems be fixed--at least as fixed as they will get this side of heaven!

 STANDING IN OUR APPOINTED HOLY PLACES

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 35:4-5 NLT

"Report for duty according to the family divisions of your ancestors, following the written instructions of King David of Israel and the instructions of his son Solomon. Then stand in your appointed holy places and help the families assigned to you as they bring their offerings to the Temple." 2 Chronicles 35:4-5 NLT

Temple service was divvied out by lots. Certain families served at certain times of the year. One family always served right after another, and another, and another, until all families had participated in their duties, then the order was repeated.

This roster of service was put into practice by the organizers-extraordinaire, Kings David and Solomon.

I'm a sucker for organization! I love a good spreadsheet, a list of boxes to check off, a to-do list and a plan.

But what really caught my eye? What spoke to my heart? What convicted me of what I could be doing more of?

"Then stand in your appointed holy places and help the families assigned to you..."

While some might see this verse as another list of things to do, I see it at a release from doing everything.

I cannot, and am not called to, reach everyone.

Everyone's business is not my business.

I'm not here to save the world.

I have not been asked to spread myself so thin that I can reach all, but am very sparse and lacking in the process.

I am, however, here to love on, speak to, encourage and witness, to those God places in my path. In my church. In my workplace. In my family. In my sphere of influence.

That seems more do-able. 

And if I am standing in my appointed holy place, and you are standing in your holy place, and if other believing Christians are standing in their holy places, we will be able to reach the world--one holy place at a time!

 CLINGING

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10-12

"Be careful to obey all the commands I give you: show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and clinging to him." Deuteronomy 11:22 NLT

Allow me to draw the curtain aside, sit down and pull the curtain back in place as I make a confession to you...

I've always thought of Christian maturity as being stalwart in God's ways, outspoken on His Word and mighty in doing great deeds for the Lord.

When I think of all the greats in faith, I think of what has been said, what has been accomplished and what miracles have been performed.

But today I read that I show my love to the Lord by walking in His ways (as stated previously) AND clinging to Him.

Clinging to Him.

Not performing any Lone Ranger acts.

No one-horse pony shows.

No independent acts of faith.

Clinging, to me, means that I'm doing all for God I can WHILE holding on to Him for life with the other hand. 

Clinging means staying close to someone because you need them...emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. It's realizing how little we can do and how very little we are expected to do on our own.

It's clinging to Jesus...

It's remaining in the Vine...

It's drinking from the Well...

It's living beside the Still Waters...

It's trusting our Anchor...

It's living under the Shadow...

It's holding our Father's strong right hand...

That, believing friends, is the Christian walk!

 THE LORD PROVED

Today's reading: Acts 13-14

"...The Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 14:3 NLT

Are you wearing yourself out attempting to share the Good News AND trying to prove it at the same time?

The sharing part is our job to do. Proving it, is not.

We aren't created to 'help God out'. He doesn't need any assistance in being God, performing miracles or proving His rightness.

Paul and Barnabas had the tough task of sharing the Gospel with folks who were worshiping emperors and idols, Jews who were dead set on keeping traditions and people who had widely mixed views on all things God-related.

These two heroes of faith did what was asked of them, and God did His part.

He will do the same for us!

Let's attempt to be obedient, trustworthy and intentional in sharing the news about Jesus--then watch as God proves the message of the Cross by His power.

GATHERING THE WANDERERS

Today's reading: James 4-5

"My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." James 5:19-20 NLT

As you wall through the doors of your church this morning, greet one another with warm smiles and kind 'Hello's'.

Allow the Spirit of the Living God to permeate every conversation, every reaction and all your words.

Worship with your whole heart.

And while you are doing all of those things with a grateful heart, look around your church--for the empty pews.

For the folks who used to come, but you haven't seen in a while.

For the ones who have dropped out of church attendance.

For the ones who you haven't noticed for a few Sundays, a few months--or a few years.

For the older kids of church members who have let God go by the wayside in their lives.

For the Christmas and Easter attenders you see but twice a year.

Make note of them, and attempt to get in contact with them.

Do your dead level best to draw them back into fellowship.

Attempt to encourage them to attend church, yours or another Bible-preaching one that needs them.

Let God lead you in being one who gathers in the wanderers.

INDIFFERENT TO THE LORD

Today's reading: Zephaniah

"I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem's darkest corners to find and punish those who sit contented in their sins, indifferent to the Lord, thinking he will do nothing at all to them." Zephaniah 1:12 NLT

I was presented with this quote last week, it was brought back to my mind with this verse :

'Hate is not the opposite of love, apathy is.'

Apathy, a feeling of no feelings at all. No decision one way or another. No passion. No preference. Not caring.

Can you imagine the feelings God has toward people who don't care about Him one way or the other?

He lavishes His love on those who love Him. Those who believe in Him, follow His ways and want to introduce Him to others.

He woos, seeks and wins over those who hate Him. Those who have been hurt by life and want to lash out at Him.

But those who don't care? Who don't have any emotion toward Him at all?

Indifferent to the Lord.

Unmoved by the enormity of Him.

Un-awed by His creation.

Dismissive of His control over all.

Unmoved by His grace.

Unaffected by His gift of salvation.

It's beyond me how anyone might take this stance in regards to God, but there are those--and we must make sure we aren't one of them.

FOLLOW GOD'S LEAD

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"There is a time for everything...A time to be quiet and a time to speak up." Ecclesiastes 3:7bNLT

I'm begging you to follow God's lead as you step into the voting booth this next week.

Vote for the right reason, vote for the right to bring godliness into our dark world, vote for the person who best stands for God's rules.

Then?

Then, I beg you to watch your words.

No matter the outcome of the election.

No matter which 'team' wins.

No matter who gets seated on the throne of our country.

Watch what you say.

You see, there is a time to be quiet and a time to speak up.

Listen for God's leading on that as much as you listen for His leading on the ballot itself.

As Christians, our words have a very powerful influence on our culture, on our witness and on our faith in God.

Choose what you say wisely, when you need to say anything at all.

Choose silence when your words would not magnify God, bring peace to a conversation or bring glory to the cause of Christ.

Our comments, opinions, debates and remarks are important--when they are God led.