TAKE NOTE

Today's reading: Zephaniah

"How terrible it will be for rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime. It proudly refuses to listen even to the voice of the Lord. No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God." Zephaniah 3:1-2 NLT

Mirror verses.

It's probably not a phrase you've heard, because I made it up.

It refers to verses in Scripture that place a mirror in front of me, allowing me time and intentionality in looking deep into my own heart and mind.

While the verses themselves refer to Jerusalem and the prophet Zephaniah's plea to her, I see myself.

Refusing to listen...

No one can tell me anything...

Refuses correction...

I could easily read over this portion of Scripture, having said I've done my Christian discipline for the day, or I could stop and listen.

...To the Lord speaking to my heart.

...To the correlations between Jerusalem and myself.

...To the outcome of continuing to do what, sadly, comes naturally to me.

...To how the Holy Spirit wants to address, correct and proceed.

I'll be quite honest, it's easier to use my Bible as a magnifying glass in the lives of others than as a mirror to my own failings. But these times before the mirror of the Lord, prove His love for me, His desire to see me grow in His image, His forgiveness and His grace.

What will you do with the 'mirror verses' you come across?

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest." Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NLT

Do you, like me, forget that there is a time for everything?

Especially when the time is waiting.

Think about it...

While not specifically mentioned by God, through Solomon, while there IS a time for planting and there IS a time for harvesting...do you realize what has to happen in the time in between?

Waiting.

Waiting for the seeds to sprout.

Waiting for the first leaves to appear.

Waiting for the plants to develop.

Waiting for the growth.

Waiting for the fruit to be produced.

Waiting for ripening.

There is a whole lot of waiting that happens in between steps.

Are you rushing through the 'waiting season'?

Are you pushing past the lessons to be learned while you wait?

Are you wasting your days wrapping up one season and wanting to hurry up and get into the next?

There is a season for everything, including waiting.

Might I go so far as to add...

There is a reason for everything, including waiting.

PLANTING IN TEARS

Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." Psalm 126:5 NLT

Trials to triumph.

Testing to testimony.

Heartache to hearts filled.

Our tears, especially those cried out in prayer to the Lord, do not go unnoticed.

They are kept.

They are treasured.

They are sparks that start the fires of change, revival and salvation.

Cry out to the Lord in prayer...tears water the garden of His heart! 

TRICKLE DOWN

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

"At the same time, God's hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them a strong desire to unite in obeying the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord." 2 Chronicles 30:12 NLT

What happens when one person starts leaning hard into the Lord? Others are impacted.

Revival is often referred to as a wave that washes over, but I'm not so sure that a more apt description might be a change that trickles down.

For example...

When a momma or daddy begin to draw close to the Lord, it trickles down on the family.

When a pastor gets stirred up by the Holy Spirit, it trickles down into the congregation.

When a leader turns his heart and mind to his Creator, it trickles down onto those he is called to lead.

Our lying, cheating, stealing and conniving enemy, wants us to believe that on our own we cannot make a difference. 

He lies!

Listen more closely to God.

Spend more time in prayer--speaking and hearing.

Get your nose in the Word and the Word in your heart.

Tell others about what you hear, see, feel from your time following Christ.

Your heart change can make a difference. 

NO MIDDLE GROUND

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who hate him." Deuteronomy 7:9-10 NLT

In a day and age where people prefer to live in the gray areas, this might be a hard portion of Scripture to swallow.

These two verses simply state that you will either LOVE God or HATE him.

There is no middle ground.

No neutral territory in which to live your life.

No gray area.

If you don't love God, you hate him.

It's not that you consider God. Or that you tolerate God. Or even, that you believe there is a God. It has nothing to do with your allowance of others to serve God. Or that you accept him.

Either you love him, or you hate him.

This is not a decision upon which you can be impartial, nonpartisan or open-minded.

Either you love him, or you hate him.

What's your life saying your choice is on that matter of God?

EARNEST & RIGHTEOUS

Today's reading: James 4-5

"...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." James 5:16 NLT

Powerful prayers that provide wonderful results? Yes, sign me up!

Isn't that what we all want--prayers that are answered, answers that are life changing and lives that are changed in ways that honor the Lord.

But it takes earnest praying and righteousness.

If, like me you think you know what those are but could use a refresher, read on...

Earnest-resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction about.

Being earnest is being desperate, being determined, being willing to do what's necessary to get what you need.

Too often we are lazy pray-ers. We want, sure we want, but we don't want badly enough to dig in and pray hard, pray long, pray intently and pray Scripture.

Righteous-being morally upright and in good standing with God, which involves God's perfect character and His standard for human conduct.

Friends, I will admit I prefer to be right rather than righteous. Wrong attitude to have! Righteous is living in a godly way, an intensely godly way--because you walk so closely with God.

We tend to be pray-ers that want to receive our entire laundry list of desires, but never pause long enough to check our desires against His character, His plans, His purpose or His glory. We want because we want, not because we want to be made more like Him with every prayer.

Earnest and righteous pray-ers are rare treasures. They aren't scattered liberally throughout our churches, but when you see one you know it! God's desire is that there be more James 5:16 prayer warriors than there are--won't you strive to be one?

Are the prayers you're praying worth the extra effort?

WALKING AROUND

Today's reading: Acts 9-10

"Peter traveled from place to place to visit the believers, and in his travels he came to the Lord's people in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed! And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord when they saw Aeneas walking around." Acts 9:32-35 NLT

The Lord certainly changed Aeneas's life, wouldn't you agree?

From bed-fast to bed-maker.

From laying around to walking around.

From invalid to evangelist.

From invalid to evangelist?--and yet the passage says nothing about him saying a word!

Friend, whether we quote Scripture or invite someone to church, we are influencing those around us.

By how we walk through this life, we are being given the opportunity to reach people for Jesus.

Our reactions and responses, our gestures, our countenance, they can all point people to the One who has changed our lives!

Walk out your salvation.

WAITING TO SEE
Today's reading: Habakkuk

"I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint." Habakkuk 2:1 NLT

How sure are you that God's going to answer your prayers?

Sure enough, you'd 'climb up to your watchtower and wait'? 

Do you believe enough that you speak in terms of 'it's already in the works'?

Assured to the point that you 'watch the horizon' for signs of the answer?

At peace with your request because you know it's as much His will as it is your want?

That's how sure Habakkuk was that God had heard and that God would answer.

I want that!

I want to pray and then believe, really believe, it's going to be.

I want a faith that is so sure of Him that it pushes any doubts of my own aside.

I want to know His Word well enough that I can quote it back to Him, and myself, as needed.

I want to climb up to my watchtower and wait to see what all He is going to do in regards to each and every prayer I have presented to Him! 

NOTHING TRULY CHANGES

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

"Generations come and go, but nothing really changes." Ecclesiastes 1:4 NLT

Do you realize that there are no 'new sins'?

The same sins that were committed thousands of years ago are being repeated today.

The. Same. Sins.

Sure, today they're televised, published and Facebook-ed, but the sins are not new.

There haven't been any new ways to disobey God.

And, there is still the one and only way to find forgiveness for those sins--Jesus.

So, Solomon had it right, nothing really changes!

SUNDAY'S COMING

Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1 NLT

It's only Saturday and I am already looking forward to time in the Lord's house tomorrow!

The fellowship, the music, the Spirit, the Word...I can't wait.

It's not always been like that.

Nope. It's not.

There was a season of my life when I didn't want to attend, and took every excuse not to attend. The gathering didn't do much for me. The Lord wasn't in 'it'.

But now?

Now I fill up daily upon God, and that leaves me wanting more.

Could I experience God at home? Yes, and I do.

But with His people!

In His house!

A group of us singing His praises!

Pews full of us hearing the Word spoken over us!

Congregants leaving the church ready to pour into the lives of others, planning to live by Jesus's example!

Ooh, I can't wait for Sunday! 

GODS
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"When King Amaziah returned from defeating the Edomites, he brought with him idols taken from the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down in front of them, and presented sacrifices to them! This made the Lord very angry, and he sent a prophet to ask, Why have you worshiped gods who could not even save their own people from you?" 2 Chronicles 25:14-15 NLT

I have to admit, I have 'Amaziah tendencies'.

I find cast-off, defeated, little gods that others have disregarded, and set them up for me to worship.

The religious nature within me urges me to do it. The part of me that wants to be seen as 'doing something' rises up. The box-marking desires of my personality keep me at it.

And yet, these gods don't do a thing for me.

They didn't do a thing for their previous owners.

They can't.

And when the realization comes to me, I box them all up, drag them to the foot of the Cross, and ask for God's forgiveness through His Son, Jesus.

I wish I could tell you that I don't pocket some of them, for later use. I would love to tell you it has only happened once and I learned my lesson after that. But I won't, because I can't.

Little idols have a tendency to draw our hearts and eyes away from our only hope--God. But verses like these, shine a spotlight on their inadequacy to help me in any way, shape or form.

Check your pockets--got any little gods that you're rubbing for good luck, bowing to or waving over your needs?

 JUST OBEY THEM

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them." Deuteronomy 4:2 NLT

Our Creator certainly knows our tendencies, doesn't He?

When He gave the Israelites, and us, his rules and regulations, He chose to plainly state that we must not lean into our pattern of trying to add to or take away from what He had said.

He knows we like to dig so deep that we seem busy about religious things--and all the while are ignoring the command itself.

He is fully aware of our propensity to adorn God's Word with our own decorations--to make it more user friendly.

He understands our innate traits that lead us to debate, discuss and disagree--traits that bring about chaos, feuds and denominations.

So He stated simply, Just obey them.

How different might our world be if we just obeyed.

Just obeyed.

Just. Obeyed. 

 WHATEVER

Today's reading: James 1-3

"Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions." James 2:21-22 NLT

Oh, to have the faith of Abraham!

A trust that was deeply rooted in the WHO of God, that the WHAT of God was without question.

Abraham didn't wake up one morning with that kind of faith. He didn't inherit it from his father or grandfather. He wasn't given a special card to carry that allowed him to have faith that reached farther that most of ours.

He chose faith.

He made the decision, every day--and with every decision, to trust who he knew God to be.

Abraham's faith was not in what he was able to do. It was not in what he knew he could easily, or with a little determination, accomplish.

Abraham's faith wasn't in his surroundings, his talents or his circle of friends.

Abraham's faith was fully and entirely grounded in who he knew God to be!

And that, dear friends, is what pushed him to say 'yes' to the Lord, go where the Lord wanted him to go, believe for years that a son would arrive and hope for a promised land/

If that's what you want--that kind of faith, then choose it.

You needn't wait for it to fall into your lap. You must not depend upon your pastor to bless you with it. You can't even read your Bible enough to lay hold of it.

You choose it.

Will you trust God, or not?

EVERYWHERE PREACHING

Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"...A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and all the believers except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria...But the believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the Good News about Jesus." Acts 8:1-4 NLT

Most of us will never experience religious persecution.

It's the truth. 

We might face religious discrimination or religious hazing, but not true religious persecution--the kind that would make us flee our homes and run for our lives.

The new Christians did.

Their decision to follow Jesus put a bull's eye on their backs.

It moved them, geographically, and moved them, spiritually, to take their testimonies on the road!

New surroundings did not stop their sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hard times did not silence them from sharing what Jesus had done in their hearts and lives.

Discomfort did not tie their hands in regards to giving to others the best gift they had ever received--the gift of salvation.

So what's stopping you?

Tell the world about your Jesus.

Share the ins and outs of your story of salvation, redemption and sanctification (a fancy church word that means growing to be more like Jesus).

Talk about what it's like to live for a King who will rule eternally.

Express your excitement and anticipation of being promised a home in heaven.

No matter where you are. No matter how easy, or hard, it might be for you.

The world needs to know!

 

CHOOSING A SIDE
Today's reading: Nahum

"The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him. But he sweeps away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He pursues his foes into the darkness of night." Nahum 1:7-8 NLT

Whether you realize it or not, you are choosing a side with every single choice you make.

Will God be your leader, guide and refuge?

Or will you choose yourself, your abilities and your preferences--and in turn choose to be an enemy of the One who can help you most? 

We cannot do both. We cannot straddle the fence. We cannot attempt to swing back and forth between options. We cannot trust and fret at the same time.

We will either be His--or be His enemy.

MY HELP

Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!" Psalm 121:1-2 NLT

What decision/problem/choice/situations looms before you?

God is there to help you.

To guide you.

To counsel you.

You do not need to handle it on your own, Google advice or even poll your friends on Facebook.

God is your help.

The one Who created the heavens and earth will not be stumped by your situation! 

FOLLOWING THEIR ADVICE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"Following their evil advice, Ahaziah made an alliance with King Joram, the son of King Ahab of Israel..." 2 Chronicles 22:5 NLT

Do you remember as a child using 'they are all doing it' as an argument when asking Mom and Dad for permission to do something?

If your parents were anything like mine, their response was, 'Well, who are 'they'?'

Seldom if ever could I provide them with a good list of names. 'They' usually ended up being one, single solitary friend. Maybe two friends, if it was a real enticing offer.

Ahaziah took the advice of 'them' and made an ungodly alliance that cost him his life--and left another scar in Judah's history.

Ahaziah held office because of God. He sat on a throne God had promised to Ahaziah's great-grandfather, David. He continued a line of kings God had covenanted to maintain.

But God is not whose advice Ahaziah sought.

He asked counsel of men who tickled his ear, bowed to his role as king and would eventually lead him to make ungodly alliances with countries that didn't serve God.

But not God.

Why do we do that?

Why do we ask around, or Google for answers, but won't ask advice of our Creator, Redeemer and King?

Might it be because we know what He will tell us...

Because we know what the right answer is...

Because we have heard Him tell us before, but we chose not to obey...

 

THEN ALL OF YOU

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

 "I said to you, ‘You have now reached the hill country of the Amorites that the LORD our God is giving us. 21Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’22“But you all came to me and said, ‘First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us. They will advise us on the best route to take and which towns we should enter.’23“This seemed like a good idea to me, so I chose twelve scouts, one from each of your tribes. 24They headed for the hill country and came to the valley of Eshcol and explored it. 25They picked some of its fruit and brought it back to us. And they reported, ‘The land the LORD our God has given us is indeed a good land.’26“But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God and refused to go in. 27You complained in your tents and said, ‘The LORD must hate us. That’s why he has brought us here from Egypt—to hand us over to the Amorites to be slaughtered.Deuteronomy 1:20-27  NLT

After 40 years of wandering.

After watching, first hand, the miracles of God in providing manna, quail, the Red Sea, a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire.

After observing that their shoes did not wear out.

When they stood on the border of the wilderness and the Promised Land-

Instead of thanking God.

Instead of praising God.

Instead of stampeding into the land in order to receive all the Lord had provided.

Instead of believing what God said.

They said, First let's...

Let us send out scouts--to see that it's really as good as You say it is.

Let us think about the people living there--they are too big, too strong, too many.

Let us consider whether or not we can do what's necessary to keep this land God has given to us.

Standing on the edge of all that God had promised.

Having arrived at the destination they had been straining to reach for 40 years.

About to step into what had been given to them generations before.

We are so like them!

All that God offers, we doubt.

All that God desires to give, we question.

All that God has promised for us, we become incredulous to.

All that God has done, we forget.

Maybe it's time we take a leap of faith and take our first step across the border into what it is He has led us to!

APPROVED

Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith." Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT

I've known what faith is, based upon this Scriptures definition, since I was a child.

We had lessons on it in Sunday School.

We sang songs about it in Vacation Bible School.

We colored pictures, we read accounts in the Bible, we even had flannelgraph boards depicting what faith is.

But what I've noticed this morning is the second verse...

God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith.

God's approval.

For believing God...

For trusting in what He said...

For living out what He promised...

Faith is going forward based upon God's promises--even what you don't see a thing pointing in that direction.

When it's still dark.,,

When events do not line up...

When it only gets harder, instead of better...

When your eyes cannot see what your heart wants to believe...

When you have to trust Him because you don't have it in you...

That's the point at which God approves us as faithful, as His faithful.

 

WOULD I DO IT?

Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"...They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. They apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." Acts 5:40-42 NLT

Arrested. Beaten. Ordered.

Which one of those things would have kept you from sharing the message of Jesus, raised and righteous?

What keeps us quiet today--in a country of free speech, international access and border-less possibilities to share Jesus?

Peter and the disciples faced imprisonment, pain and possibly death, and still shared the Good News.

We won't share because we might be inconvenienced, embarrassed, harassed or labeled. We keep quiet as not to be seen as judge-y, holier than thou or religious. We hold our tongues believing that it's the pastor's job to talk about Jesus.

I'm praying today that the power of the Holy Spirit, the same power that wouldn't let Peter stay quiet, would fall on me. On you. On all those who claim the blood of Christ over their lives.

Why?

Because the Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Friend, Comfort, we are all looking for is Jesus!

  

INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES

Today's reading: Micah

"The Lord will settle international disputes. All the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end." Micah 4:3 NLT

If you are scanning the news channels waiting for word of peace, you are looking in the wrong direction.

If you are tuned into the latest world politics expecting an announcement of worldwide peace, you won't see it.

If you are leaning towards one party or another, one peace treaty or another, one military move or another, to bring peace, you are about to find out they won't provide what you are looking for.

The Lord will settle international disputes.

His mighty hand will bring about peace. He will move in the hearts and minds of people. He will settle wars. He will restate the boundaries He has had set in place for many generations.

The Lord will do it.

Are you watching Him? 

There will be absolutely no doubt as to it being Him at work. No one will be able to explain it away. No party will be able to take credit for the final move. 

The Lord will settle international disputes--are you keep your eyes on Him?

SOLOMON'S WISDOM
Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection." Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Of all the things King Solomon knew...

Of all the information he gathered over the course of his rule...

Of all the books he read and literature he absorbed... 

Of all the scientific evidence he studied...

He found the Word of God to be true, and protective of those who depend upon it.

Every word.

True.

ANCHORED

Today's reading: Psalm 119

"Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your law." Psalm 119:61 NLT

Did you learn Bible memory verses as a child?

For points? For candy? For the challenge of it? For competition?

Because your parents made you?

Interestingly, the pieces of candy we nabbed out of the 'prize bucket', the glow-in-the-dark cross we were given and the compliments we received for a job well done--well, they have all vanished.

But the words of the Bible?

They remain in our hearts and minds.

Probably, if you're anything like me, in King James Version English!

These are anchors that occasionally pop up to remind us of the long-lasting power of being in God's Word.

Maybe they show up in a conversation. Possibly a song reminds us of the words of a specific verse.  A sermon takes us back to the words we had memorized so long ago.

What a blessed gift it is to have this storehouse of verses banked in our minds.

And what a gift we have given if we have chosen to do the same thing with our children.

We have implanted, in their hearts, the same anchors.

Anchors that will keep them tethered to the Lord--no matter how far they drift.

Anchors that will be lifelines to God's goodness--when the world baits and switches at what is right or wrong.

Anchors that will keep them safe, lead them home, draw them back--from the enemy, from the far country, from the empty promises of life outside of Christ Jesus.

I'm so very thankful for the anchors of Scripture in my heart this morning! 

JAHAZIEL

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"...the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel. son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendent of Asaph. He said, Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:14-15 NLT

Here is what I have noticed in regards to this man named, Jahaziel...

His 'fathers' mattered.

His bloodline was important.

His history was important.

How do I know that--because it was recorded. His daddy, granddaddy, great-granddaddy and great-great granddaddy were mentioned.

Oh, sure, what he said mattered, too. But what he said was prefaced by who he was.

Did you catch that?

Only by knowing who he was, his background, his 'people', did his message carry weight.

So what do I do with that?

I pray for a Jahaziel to come into your life today.

Someone who you know to be godly. A person whose history shows God's track record. A brother or sister in Christ whose life has been saved by, led by, encouraged by and strengthened by the blood of their Father.

Does that make sense to you?

I don't want you listening to just anyone. Especially in regards to the tough times you might be going through. I want you hearing the truth, God's truth, from God's people.

I want a Jahaziel to come alongside you and build up your faith, remind you of God's truths, point you to His feet, cheer you on along your faith walk...in Jesus's name.

I pray that a Jahaziel steps in and steps up in your life. Someone with credentials. Someone with a trust that goes so deeply into the Lord that they will not and cannot be swayed. Someone whose bio shows exactly Who they have been leaning on in their life!

I'm praying for a Jahaziel to bless your life!

 MY ITINERARY

Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

"This is the itinerary the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.  At the Lord's direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places they stopped along the way." Numbers 33:1-2 NLT

To think, the Israelite's journey, all 40 years of it, was documented, stop by stop.

I wish I had written documentation of my faith walk. Stage by stage. Lesson by lesson. Eye opening moment by eye opening moment.

I could look back and see...

-some things weren't as bad as I had 'worried' them to be.

-few things demanded the attention I gave them--attention that took my eyes off the Lord.

-very, very few things were worth the fear level I had attached to them.

-time gives me the perspective that I should have stopped and enjoyed certain 'detours' longer than I did.

-lessons come in the good times and in the bad times.

-I was never alone, never left to my own abilities, never without an audience to my faith and trust in the Lord.

The itinerary of my faith is not one I would have written, but also not one I would ever change. 

In the 47 years I have been walking with God, the path has been uphill and downhill, has been in rainy seasons and had plenty of sunshine-y days, has grown me, shaped me, honed me and amazed me. 

There have been times I have rushed ahead--and had to backtrack to find Him again, and times when I dug in my heels and refused to go any farther. I have given Him 'yes-es' immediately and have had times when I have had to have corrective discipline applied to my backside in order that I see things His way.

This walk with the Lord has proved to me over and over again that only He can be trusted to hold the map and lead the way!

So I'll keep walking beside Him--where ever it is He takes me!

ENTERING BOLDLY

Today's reading: Hebrews 8-10

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." Hebrews 10:19 NLT

This verse is one of my favorites.

Why? Well, because of the 'word picture' I have of it in my mind. How I've applied its meaning to my life. The picture in my head of how it plays out in reality.

You see, to know I can boldly enter into God's presence sets my thought into full blown hyperspeed...

I can come bursting into the throne room of God's grace yammering on and on about my day--and He will listen to it all!

I can slink in the back door of the Most Holy Place and crawl up on my Daddy's lap to tell him all about what I've done wrong.

I can drag to His feet, mud and all, any doubts and concerns that I have been wrestling with--and He will soothe me fears. 

I can approach my Father, without appointment or protocol, and talk to Him about all that's on my heart.

I can tattle to Him. I can whine to Him. I can rattle non-stop to Him. Then He will send me back out to the world to minister for Him.

I can cry--not just sniffle, but sob in His presence. I can spew my emotions in front of Him. And He will still love me.

I can stand in front of Him with my arms crossed, mad as a wet hen, until He soothes me and changes my attitude, corrects my thinking and softens my heart.

I can repeat to Him his promises and remind Him of them.

I can shake my fist at Him, mutter my complaints, question His timing and He takes me into His arms and holds me tightly until the 'temper tantrum' has passed.

Why can I so boldly approach the God of the universe? Me? Little, ole me? Imperfect and far-from-holy me?

Because when I step into His presence, He doesn't see me. He sees the blood of His Son Jesus on me, allowing me entrance into His personal space!

HOW I AM KNOWN

Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 NLT

What greater aknowledgement might one receive than to be known as 'one who had been with Jesus'?

An educational degree doesn't compare.

A stack of patents pending isn't comparable.

A grand monument inscribed with one's name cannot compete.

But to be seen as having spent time in the presence of the Lord? 

There is no greater honor in life.

Time spent with Jesus impacts one's words, deeds, responses, reactions, desires, relationships.

It intrudes upon one's thoughts, changes one's attitudes, increases one's awareness of those around us.

A daily time with the Lord will change the course of your day, the steps you might take and the lives of those to whom God might call you to minister.

Have you spent time with Jesus--are you ready for today's mission? 

MY RUNNING

Today's reading: Jonah

"Then he told them that he was running away from the Lord. The sailors were terrified when they heard this. Oh, why did you do it? they groaned." Jonah 1:10 NLT

Jonah didn't realize that when he laced up his tennis shoes to run from the Lord that others would be effected.

Nor do we.

There is 'fallout' related to disobeying the Lord. 

We must consider who else might be compromised when we choose to run from the Lord and what He is asking us to do for Him. We must weigh disobedience against the possible consequences. 

 

TENDER CONSCIENCE

Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble." Proverbs 28:14 NLT

Medical degree or not, we all have a way of soothing the hurts and bruises of the people we come in contact with.

Thoughtful gestures, kind words, hugs and smiles are 'tablets of healing' we pass out all throughout our day.

Are you conscience of the needs around you?

Are you slowing down to notice frowns, furrowed brows, tears?

Are you tuned in to tones of sadness, discouragement, frustration and hopelessness in the conversations you have with others?

Blessings come, according to God's Word, to those who have tender consciences towards others.

Want to be blessed? Notice others.

HIS UNFAILING LOVE

Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117

I often ask you to look at what the passage of the day says, but not today!

Today I am asking you to take a look at what it doesn't say...

It doesn't say, Would you praise the Lord?

It doesn't say, Would JUST the church praise the Lord.

It doesn't say, Praise Him because of our unfailing love, our unwavering faithfulness, our enduring commitment to Him.

It says, Praise Him because He is wonderful, His love for us never changes, He is (with all that He is) faithful to us.

We don't have to come up with reasons to praise God--He is worthy, entirely and utterly, worthy of all the praises we can muster!

 

SEEING A CHANGE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

"The prophet Shemaiah then met with Rehoboam and Judah's leaders, who had all fled to Jerusalem because of Shishak. Shemaiah told them, This is what the Lord says: You have abandoned me, so I am abandoning you to Shishak. The king and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves and said, The Lord is right in doing this to us! When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah, Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief..." 2 Chronicles 12:5-7 NLT

The king and the people could have declared a day of prayer...

They might have attended Temple more regularly...

They could have even voted a new law into effect that would have added to the Temple offering plate...

Instead?

Instead, they changed their hearts.

They humbled themselves.

They allowed the eyes of their hearts to be opened to their own sins.

They repented, which is being sorry for AND turning away from sin.

And God saw the change.

And God chose, after a time, to reward them.

I'm reminded this morning that God sees my heart--the intentions, the conscious acts, the deliberate choices, the willingness in what I do. Does He see that I am purposeful in staying away from yesterday's sins?

Does He see a change in my heart?

THE TRANSJORDAN TRIBES

Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

I'm intrigued by the account of Numbers 32, subtitled, The TransJordan Tribes.

It baffles me as to what might have led this group of 2-1/2 tribes to want the land on the east side of the Jordan River, instead of inhabiting the Promised Land.

Did they settle for less? 

Upon reading the chapter, they were willing to put the blood, sweat and tears into obtaining the land of Canaan--they just didn't want to live there.

After all they'd been through? 

Following a 40 year journey?

Knowing all they knew about the bounty and blessing of the land on the west side of the Jordan?

And God let them?

I have lots of questions about this arrangement. I can't wrap my head around the agreement. I just don't understand the 'how and why' of it all. But I've come to this conclusion:

God had a reason for His people to be there, or they wouldn't have been there.

Isn't that the point at which all of our unknowns should converge?

God has a reason.

And He doesn't need to explain it to us--as if He could!

LEARNING OBEDIENCE

Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered." Hebrews 5:8 NLT

I'd never really thought about it, but Jesus taught us obedience by the hardships he endured during his 'tour of duty' on earth.

He could have told God, 'No, thank you', when it came to his earthly mission.

He might have become so intolerant of the human race, in his mere 33 years, that he wiped us all out with one spoken word.

He, understandably so, might have refused the pain of the cross.

But where would we be?

What hope would there be for us IF he had called the legions of angels instead of enduring punishment, crucifixion and death?

So friend, consider your own suffering. While not in the league of what Jesus endured, might it be a lesson for you in obedience?

Will you obediently trust God through it all?

Will you believe His promises even when you cannot see His hand?

Could you endure for the purpose of another coming to know your Lord and Savior?

Are you willing to learn obedience through the things you suffer?

 

DO NOT LEAVE
Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before, John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:4-5 NLT

Jesus was telling his disciples not to leave Jerusalem for their missionary journeys until the Holy Spirit fell upon them.

He was asking them to stay put until they had received what God had promised.

They were instructed not to take the next step until they were filled with God's power.

Those are good instructions.

Those are good instructions for us today!

Do not leave your house, until you've prayed that the Holy Spirit fill you.

Do not leave your church house until you are flooded with the Spirit's power.

Do not attempt to do anything, for Him or for yourself, without having the Spirit of the Living God empowering you.

 Why?

The task is too big. The enemy is too strong. The impact is too great. The mission is about life and death.

On our own we can't do it. In our own strengths we will fall short. Without the Spirit's leading we will do it to our own glory and honor. 

We are going out to tell the world about our Lord and Savior--

Take the Holy Spirit with you.

YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE

Today's reading: Obadiah

"You shouldn't have..." Obadiah verses 12-14 NLT

Obadiah, the prophet, was foretelling the land of Edom of their impending destruction.

God was going to exact justice on this nation for their unfair treatment of the Israelites.

The punishment was harsh. The fall out would be monumental. The consequences matched the offense.

You see, the Edomites were 'brothers' to the Israelites.

A quick history lesson tells us that Abraham had Isaac, and Isaac had Jacob--the father of the Israelites. What we fail to remember is that Jacob had a twin brother, Esau. Esau was the father of the Edomites.

It's helpful to know this as we read, and re-read, verses 12-14 about what 'brothers shouldn't do to brothers'...

What believers shouldn't do to believers...

What church members shouldn't do to other church members...

Gloating over hard times. Rejoicing at the suffering of others. Crowing over others as they suffer disaster. Plundering another's possessions. Looting their homes. Making ourselves rich at the expense of others. Killing. Capturing.

It's hard enough to battle what the enemy does outside the walls of our churches and homes, we cannot allow him to gain a foothold inside our sanctuaries!

Remember the 'you shouldn'ts'.

 

YOUR HEART'S REFLECTION

Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19 NLT

What are being seeing in regards to your heart?

Not your cardiovascular system, but your soul, the center of your being, the part of you that is linked--or not linked, with the Lord?

They catch glimpses of your heart in what you say.

They see your heart status in the things you do,

They sense the state of your heart in your reactions, your tone of voice and your comments about others.

Your heart condition is visible in times of anger, times of disappointment and in times of unplanned changes to your schedule.

Your heart is not hidden from the world, only to be seen by the latest technology, it's on full display to all around you.

How does it look? 

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

"Not to us, O Lord, but to you goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1 NLT

Thomas Chisholm knew what he was talking about when he penned the lyrics to a song that's still sung over 100 years later.

He knew the depth of the truths about which he wrote.

He knew the power of the theme of his song.

He knew the Lord of the message he was attempting to convey.

He knew it was nothing at all to do with him.

Or us today.

All the glory goes to the Lord for His faithfulness...

1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
   • Refrain:
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Morning by morning new mercies I see:
     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
     Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
4. 
   

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

"He prayed, O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will." 2 Chronicles 6:14 NLT

King Solomon had built an ornate temple for the Lord's ark and Spirit to reside in.

On this day in our Bible reading, that Temple was being dedicated. 

As I read the first few lines of Solomon's dedication prayer, I'm led to believe his words, God honoring and God seeking, might help us all today.

Have you ever thought about, first thing in the morning, dedicating your day to the Lord?

Praising Him.

Thanking Him.

Reminding yourself of His desire that we serve Him, and Him alone.

Asking for an eagerness to do His will.

Our days start the moment our feet hit the floor--what if our first act of the day was to pray a prayer of dedication?

Giving the day to the Lord. Turning our attention to Him. Honoring Him before anything else gets in the way.

While Solomon's dedication festivities were grand and spectacular, even the most humbled prayer prayed in the wee hours of the morning, before the world wakes up, with sleep still in our eyes, can be heard by our Lord God!

 PRAYING FOR SUCCESSORS

Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, the God of the spirits of all living things, please appoint a new leader for the community. Give them someone who will lead them into battle, so the people of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Numbers 27:15-17 NLT

Moses had to be exhausted at this point in his life.

A river bassinet. A childhood in the palace. Running away from home. A burning bush experience. A call of God. A stand before Pharoah. A 40 year long camping expedition with over 2 millions grumbly people.

And in the verses leading up to this portion of Scripture, God allows Moses to climb a mountain to SEE the Promised Land, but lets him know he will not be going into it.

Whew!

Moses's response?

Throw a fit? Kick the dirt? Curse the Lord, or the mumblers among him, or his calling?

No.

He asked God to send the right man to step into his role as leader.

I won't be so bold as to think I might ever think like God thinks, but consider this: Might this single moment in time, this response--could it have been the moment God knew Moses had been the right man for the job?

Moses didn't consider himself deserving. Or worthy. Or entitled.

He wanted a godly leader for the people as they stepped foot into the land of promise.

What a lesson for us!

 ALL THAT BELONGS TO CHRIST

Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:14 NLT

Think for a moment of all that belongs to Christ...

-As God's only Son.

-As one part of the Trinity.

-As someone who has existed from, well has always existed.

-As the Perfect Lamb.

Scripture tells us that all things belong to God, therefore all things belong to Jesus.

That being known. With that reminder fresh in our thoughts. Agreeing with Scripture on the fact that all things belong to Christ--take a moment to re-read the verse.

"...if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."

Shouldn't we be faithful to the end?

Shouldn't our faith only grow, each day, from the moment we are saved until we stand before God at our death?

Wouldn't it be worth our buckling down and digging in and continuing on in Christ?

Keep believing.

Continue to trust.

Remain faithful.

There is a great reward to be gained!

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR

Today's reading: John 19-21

"Why are you crying? Jesus asked her. Who are you looking for? She thought he was the gardener..." John 20:15 NLT

I cannot imagine the grief and angst Mary Magdalene was enduring that early Easter morning.

She had watched her Savior crucified on a cross after enduring hours and hours of suffering.

She had seen his body quickly removed from its place of execution and hastily wrapped for burial.

She had witnessed words spoken over the One she loved that she might never, ever forget.

And now? Now they have had the audacity 'to steal' his body!

Her emotions were so heavy and her vision was so blurred by tears that when Jesus spoke to her, she didn't recognize who he was.

While standing beside her He asked, Why are you crying?

As He stood before her He questioned, Who are you looking for?

She didn't need anyone other than Him--and yet she didn't see Him.

Do we do that?

Do we look past Jesus--the sacrifice He made for us, the perfect example He is for us, the One who loves us enough to die for us?

Do we overlook Him at work around us?

Do we tend to not recognize Him because His appearance doesn't match what we thought He might look like or the circumstances don't appear as we prayed they would be?

Do we not believe Him to be enough?

How often in this life are we in the presence of Jesus and still He has to ask us, Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?

 BEST-SELLER

Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"The time is surely coming, says the Sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord." Amos 8:11 NLT

Since 1522 when Martin Luther took a bold stand and popularized the Bible among the common folks, the Word of the Lord has become a best selling book worldwide.

Over 100 million copies are sold annually.

It has been translated into 3000 languages.

Google gives a conservative estimate of 219,000 Bibles sold daily in the USA alone. And records from 2024 indicate that Bible sales increased in 2024 by 28% with most of those being 'new' buyers.

Wonderful statistics!

Amazing outreach!

What great news!

One-third of the world claims to be Christian. This number includes Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox.

And yet, the percentage of Bible believing, born again, Jesus Christ saved individuals is recorded at a mere 13% of the world's population.

Bibles are everywhere--and yet only 13% of the world's hearts, minds, lives and eternities are being touched by them?

That sounds like a famine of hearing God's Word to me.

WHAT GOES ON IN THE KING'S MIND

Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"No one can discover the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king's mind." Proverbs 25:3 NLT

While this wise proverb collector was talking about the mind of an earthly king, doesn't the same wisdom apply to our Heavenly King?

Who knows His thoughts?

Who knows the depths of His plans?

Who, outside of what He states clearly in His Word, know His will?

He's too much for us to understand. Too big for us to grasp with our human minds or hands. Too grand for us to entirely comprehend. Too holy for us to approach except by His grace.

So what do we do with what we cannot fathom? The things we just don't understand? The ways of His that leave us scratching our heads?

We trust.

We trust this God who is too much, too big, too grand and too holy!

HAVING FAITH IN GOD

Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands...

They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly...

The wicked will be infuriated when they see this. They will grind their teeth in angerl they will slink away, their hopes thwarted." Psalm 112

I don't know what kind of Christian you are, but I hope your stand, your testimony, your boldness and your intensity of belief in Jesus Christ makes the wicked infuriated!

I hope you cause waves.

I hope you stand strong.

I hope you are known by what you believe.

I hope you spark faith in others.

You see, if we're doing it correctly, living for God causes all those around you to fall into one of two camps--those who want what you have and those who want to see you fail in your faith.

This is no time, and this world is no place, to remain neutral. 

GREATER THAN

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"This will be a magnificent Temple because our God is an awesome God, greater than any other." 2 Chronicles 2:5 NLT

I think about Solomon as he prepared to build the Temple to honor God.

He poured over the blueprints, counted the cost, collected the resources, hired the best contractors, surveyed the land, reviewed the plan his father, David, had made--and he prayed.

He prayed for wisdom. He prayed for favor. He prayed for guidance. He prayed for provision. He prayed for blessing.

Why? 

He did all that because he knew the task was so monumental and would be a physical representation of his God. 

America, is that where we've/we're failing as a nation?

We spend time and energy, resources and money, priority and passions on politics, sports, entertainment, education, economics and military--and our churches, God's churches, the Church, fail to thrive.

What if, God's people, chose to invest in the church?

To prioritize its Message.

To financially back its Mission.

To infuse our hearts and soul into the Hope this world so desperately needs.

To shower His love.

The Church could be a magnificent representation of our awesome God, but it will take some work on our part. Some pushing aside of less important things. Some effort. Some blood, sweat and tears. Some time on our knees. Some repentant hearts. Some letting go so we can take hold.

But it could be done. It should be done. 

Why? 

Because our God is greater than any other! 

 THEN

Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"And Israel was victorious and killed King Og, his sons , and his subjects; not a single survivor remained. Then Israel occupied their land." Numbers 21:35 NLT

To many of you the very thought of me writing a post about sports will be laughable.

Other than being able to distinguish a football from a basketball from a baseball from a soccer ball, I am clueless about anything 'ball' or sports equipment related.

But I thought of this...

When a team chooses not to play, or play their hardest, and their opponents win, it's said they have 'handed them a win'. Isn't that right?

The team didn't do what was required. The team didn't play together well. The team's heads weren't in the game. The team chose not to do what was necessary--to even be seen as having tried.

Isn't it the same for us as believers?

I read about the Israelites traveling through to the Promised Land, where there were enemies and obstacles and tough times.

Today's verse alone states that the Israelites only tasted the sweetness of victory AFTER they had engaged in battle.

But us? Christians living in 2025. Believers sitting in soft pews in a country where religious freedom is handed to us on a silver platter?

We want easy.

We want to win, but not get our hands dirty.

We want the victory, but we don't want to even step a hairy toe on to the battlefield.

We want all God has in store for us, but we want Him to deliver it on a silver platter while we relax with our feet propped up!

He's God. He can do that, but I don't believe He will. He surely shouldn't!

Christians, let's put some effort into our faith walks. Let's get our hands dirty attempting to serve God with our whole hearts. Let's take a few steps outside our comfort zones. Let's at least stand for what is right.

Then? Then we will be able to occupy the lands He has for us!

AND EVEN MORE

Today's reading: Philemon

"I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!" Philemon verse 21 NLT

Aah, the little book of Philemon.

A mere page and a half in my study Bible.

Twenty-two power packed verses--not even enough verses to divide out into chapters!

But out of all the things Paul says in his letter to Philemon, this single verse has stopped me in my tracks.

Paul offers Philemon encouragement. He writes words of cheer. He gives his a run-down of how things are going for him and the believers where he is at. He instructs Philemon in some matters of forgiveness in regards to his former slave, Onesimus.

Then?

Then, he pens this single verse...

I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!

That's a pretty tall order, don't you think?

To forgive a slave that left you high and dry...

To forgive a servant who very well might have stolen goods from your household...

To forgive someone who, in the society in which they lived, was considered 'beneath' him...

And to do much more than that?

In a nutshell, isn't that what God is asking of us in regards to His Word, His letter to us--the Bible?

To do what it says--and more.

To obey its commands--and more.

To love like He asks us to love--and more.

And He asks us because He knows that with His Spirit inside us, we can do it!

 

SO YOU WON'T FALL AWAY

Today's reading: John 16-18

"I have told you these things so that you won't fall away." John 16:1 NLT

This verse, written in red, rests on page 1659 of my Bible.

But that's not all. My Bible holds another 412 pages!

Friends, God has given us this entire Book, before John 16:1 and after John 16:1, full of 'things' that will keep us from falling away from Him when tough times come.

Words that encourage us to have faith.

Accounts that instill in us the goodness and greatness of God.

Commands what will grow us spiritually.

Psalms that comfort our hearts.

All to keep us from falling away.

Hard times arrive on the scene unexpected and uninvited--greet them with your love and knowledge of God's Word!

Devour the Word.

Believe the Word.

Stand on the Word.

Hold fast to the Word.

Know the Word.

Share the Word.

Live out the Word.

Don't fall away from the Word! 

REMEMBER

Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under his feet. The Lord God Almighty is his name!" Amos 4:13 NLT

It never hurts to be reminded just who God is.

Whether it's a Monday when a new week looms ahead...

Or while sitting in a doctor's waiting room...

Or at your prayer chair as His Word is opened up before you...

Or when you've found out some news that leaves your lungs as emptied as your heart...

The Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under his feet. The Lord God Almighty is his name!

My Lord is the One who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals His every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under His feet. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is His name! 

A LAZY PERSON'S VINEYARD

Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one lacking sense. I saw that it was overgrown with thorns. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." Proverbs 24:30-34 NLT

What happens when laziness overrides our lives?

1. Our reputation is reduced in value.

2. Our responsibilities show we have little value for them.

3. We are robbed of the blessings we have and attaining more blessings.

Sound like something you want to happen to your life?

I didn't think so!

So what do we do?

We do something.

We don't/can't do everything, but we can do something every, single day to progress towards accomplishing a lot.

It will take effort.

It will take determination.

It will take pushing aside laziness and putting in its place a desire to honor God in all we do! 

GOD"S AUTOGRAPH

Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

"Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord." Psalm 109:27 NLT

The older I get...

The wiser I become...

The more Christlike I strive to be...

The more I want God to be glorified more than me!

Oh, when I was younger, I wanted the applause. I wanted the accolades. I wanted to be recognized.

But now?

Now, I want the spotlight on God!

I want Him recognized in the 'program'. I want Him to be honored and glorified!

I will say, 'Yes', but I don't want my name associated with it--but I do want His fingerprints all over it.

Because you see, in all this growing and maturing I've done, I've found that my name means nothing and His name means everything.

My association with something has the stench of failure from the get-go, His participation ensures victory and success.

My input and opinions will usually muddy the water, His hand in it always, always, brings forth springs of life, hope and love.

Oh, that people will see more of Him and less of me! 

GATEKEEPERS

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the Lord. They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lot." 1 Chronicles 26:12-13 NLT

Silly question, but how many doors are at your house of worship?

Seriously, think about it--how many different ways are there in which people attending your church might get inside to hear about the Lord, receive the Good News about Him, or meet Him at an altar of salvation?

At our church there are, if I have counted correctly, there are eight doors.

Eight points of entry.

Eight possible places for our church folks to meet and greet regular attenders--and newcomers.

Can one person be at all eight doors?

Of course not, it takes a team of people, a church-full of people, willing to meet and greet those coming in at every single doorway.

We all have the same job, but at different locations, with different opportunities, in our own individual ways of doing it.

My question to myself this morning, as I read about the gatekeepers in David's ministry: Am I keeping the gate I have been called to serve?

Am I giving my heart and soul to ministering the way He has asked me to minister?

Am I striving to accomplish all I can in my 'doorway' so that others, in their 'doorways', can do the same?

We're on the same team, friends--serving the same God--desiring the same outcome--that people will know our Savior!

Are you at 'your' door?

HOLY GIFTS
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"...But be careful not to treat the holy gifts of the people of Israel as though they were common. If you do, you will die." Numbers 18:32 NLT

God was giving Moses instruction on how to rightly accept the gifts brought to the Tabernacle by the Israelite people.

Gifts from the flock, gifts from the field, gifts from their wallets, were all given in the building up, maintaining and worship done in the house of the Lord.

God specifically told Moses to treat each and every gift, from the largest to the smallest, as holy--never as just a common, every day, run of the mill, offering. Doing so would result in death.

Fast forward to today...

What if...now this is just a 'what if' I'm proposing--the reason so many churches are dying, so many houses of worship are closing up shop, so many are falling away from the church--is because we are treating our gifts (abilities, talents, purposes) as common?

Are we wasting away spiritually because we don't see our aptitude in being warm and friendly as something God can use in His church?

Are we frittering away dollar after dollar to accumulate material possessions, when the work of the Lord is needing a donation?

Are we using up our words through the week in useless banter, when we could be speaking to people about Jesus?

Are we singing to the world's audience in order to gain applause, or are we making joyful sounds to the Lord and helping lead His people into worship?

Are we investing hours of our day making sure our kids can kick a ball, tumble on a gymnastics mat or score highest on an upcoming test, but don't make sure they spend time getting to know Jesus?

What you can do, the abilities God has given to you, are to be used to magnify God. You have been given holy capabilities. You have been ordained as priests in His temple to do what only you can do.

That is important. That is vital to the growth and continuance of the Church. That is eternal work in regards to your spiritual life.

Do not treat your gifts as uncommon.

 

BUT THEN

Today's reading: Titus

"One we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us. But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:3-5 NLT

I don't know your story. I'm not sure where you've come from, what you've done in life, what it might be you're currently struggling with.

I don't know how long you've been a Christian or if you even are.

What I do know is this--

We can all have a 'but then' moment.

A new start. A do-over. A date marked on the calendar of our life that begins a new chapter, a new page, a new you.

Think He won't do it for you--He will!

Think He can't do it because of the mess you've made--He can!

Think this kind of stuff is just for 'good people'--He doesn't see it that way, at all!

Think it's too good to be true--it is, but it works!

Think if He knew your 'whole story' He would take back His offer--He won't!

Today can be your 'but then' day. The day you start living life--truly living life, not just breathing in and out, but inhaling and exhaling the goodness of God.

Admit you need a Savior--someone to save you from the penalties of sin. Believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins--He did, you can read about it in Matthew 22:32-56 and 1 Peter 3:18. Pray and ask God to forgive what you've done-He will--all of it. Tell someone about His graciousness in forgiving your sins and making you a new person in Him!

NOW DO THEM

Today's reading: John 13-15

"You know these things--now do them! That is the path of blessing." John 13:17 NLT

As Jesus was giving His disciples final instructions before heading to the cross, He says these words.

Words for them to take to heart. Words for them to live by. Words for them to remember.

Words for us. Today. Right now.

You see, Jesus knew we would be full of good intentions--but little follow through.

He knew we would want to honor and serve Him--but would allow excuses to throw up roadblocks of all kinds.

He knew we would be fully aware of things needing done in His name--but hesitant about us being the ones to actually do it.

He knew we would know the Scripture--but would, by reason of sin, avoid its mandates, charges and commands.

So He said to His disciples, and to us...now do them!

Doing them, the things He asks of us, is the path to blessing.

 

 GOD'S TRACK RECORD

Today's reading: Joel

"Don't be afraid, my people! Be glad now and rejoice because the Lord has done great things." Joel 2:21 NLT

When life overwhelms...

When circumstances loom...

When the storm clouds gather, the thunder rolls and the sun is hidden...

Don't be afraid--remember God's track record!

It might be scary now, but recall all our God has done.

Make it a point to remember all the amazing, miracle-filled, jaw dropping, out-of-this-world things God has done in tough times!

Use your Bible if you need a guide for this exercise. Take a moment to reflect on the testimonies of friends and loved ones. Look around your community of believers...or use your own life.

The Lord has done great things--and His amazing ways are not depleted, exhausted or expended. 

We have not tapped out His inexhaustible resources. We have not exceeded His abilities. We have not spent His wealth of power. We have not drained His deposit of grace. We have not used up our privileges in approaching His throne.

Don't be afraid, look to Him to do something God-sized!

PRACTICALITY & SPIRITUALITY

Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"Keep away from angry, short tempered people,..." Proverbs 22:24 NLT

How kind of God to warn us to stay away from people who might insult, hurt or verbally vomit upon us!

One might think He were more concerned with our physical and mental well-being than anything if you were to just read this verse. But let's look further...

"...or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul." Proverbs 22:25 NLT

That took a turn, didn't it?

The Scripture shows us that while God is interested in our 'getting along well', He is more interested in our heart health.

He wants us to guard against anything that might impact our character, our soul, the hub of our actions, remarks and emotions.

Who are you becoming like? Watch the interactions of your closest friends--do you want to act like them? Do you want to use the words they use, take on the tone they use, be known for what they are known for?

 

REFUSING TO ENTER

Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn't believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord." Psalm 106:24-25 NLT

While the psalmist who wrote this psalm is unknown, the account he refers to was, and is, well known to us.

Numbers 13-14 tells us of Israel's refusal to enter the Promised Land even after God's declaration of ownership, two of their scouting party acknowledging the greatness of it and the many signs and miracles of God's provision that led up to their even getting to the border of Canaan.

They still wouldn't enter.

They just couldn't believe.

They chose to stay in their tents--and grumble!

Sound familiar?

Does the account provided in Psalm 106, and the original scripture in Numbers, hit a little too close to home?

We need to be very intentional in believing God enough to walk in to our 'promised lands'.

We need to know, without a doubt, that we are who He says we are.

We need to trust His way, His will, His Word.

We need to be so convinced of Him that if He says, Jump, we jump!

Or opportunities will pass us by...

Or we will continue to be held captive by our enemy...

Or we will miss out on all He offers us...

Because we choose to sit in our shabby tents grumbling.

It's our choice.  

ISN'T THAT HOW OUR ENEMY WORKS?

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the Israelites." 1 Chronicles 21:1 NLT

Satan tempted David where he knew David was weak.

He whispered--how many serve you? He suggested--how mighty is your support? He leaned into David's heart and said--do you have more people than King So-And-So?

Isn't that how our enemy works?

Miniscule ideas grow.

Harmless thoughts go awry.

Neutral issues become lop-sided.

Good ideas go bad, so bad.

If you choose to read on in 1 Chronicles 21, you will see that God provided a 'stop' for David along this downhill slide.

-He gave courage to Joab to question David's plan and he gave wisdom to Joab in the words he used.

God loves us enough to place people like Joab in our lives in regards to thwarting Satan's efforts to make us sin.

Will we listen to them? Will we hear them out? Will we recognize them as counsel from the Lord? 

Or will we continue on the path that our head and heart lead us to go?

David's choice left 70,000 people dead. Innocent people. Uninvolved people. People who played no part whatsoever in this sin against the Lord.

What will your fall into temptation lead to?

 

WHAT WILL THEY THINK?

Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"But what will the Egyptians think when they hear about it? Moses pleaded with the Lord. They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing these people from Egypt." Numbers 14:13 NLT

This portion of Scripture gives us one of the boldest prayers Moses ever had the audacity to pray to the Lord.

While God was at wit's end with the Israelites and their complaining--to the point at which He wanted to completely destroy them, Moses intervened. Moses talked to God on their behalf. Moses reminded God that these people were His--and the world was watching just what He would do with them.

Moses never said the children of Israel didn't deserve punishment, or that they were not guilty of being a complaining people. He simply reminded God of all He had done thus far to set them apart, to rescue them from Pharoah and to get them to where they were.

Would we dare pray such a bold prayer?

Would we go so far as to say...Lord, what will they think if you don't step in and take care of this? What will their opinion of You be if You stop here and don't completely and fully answer this need? How will they ever know they can trust You if You give up on the situation now?

Do we have the kind of relationship with God in which we can be this honest and forthright? Do we have the faith required to talk to Him in this manner? Do we believe in the majesty and sovereignty of God to the degree that moves us to pray audacious prayers? 

Maybe asking for that kind of faith should be our first prayer.

ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

"They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that." 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

As children of the Most High God, we are granted powers, privileges and potential that we cannot fathom. We have been given abilities and strengths straight from the hand of God for living godly lives. All our Heavenly Father asks of us is possible with His help and guidance.

Paul warns Timothy in this verse to stay away from people who don't tap into that power. People who know the rituals and routines of living for Christ, but don't have the heart-deep relationship with Him.

The actors and actresses. The 'posers'. The religious.

Even, and especially, if those actors and actresses are the ones we see in our mirrors.

Let's all spend some time talking to, and listening for, God in regards to how genuine we are in our walks with Him. Make the time to ask Him whether or not our walks with Him are merely surface deep. Seek His opinion, and correction, in regards to how to stop playing the role, and becoming all He has for us to be.

Stay away from actors and actresses, they are only for entertainment, not for eternity!

 

TWO DAYS LATER

Today's reading: John 10-12

"Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them." John 11:5-6 NLT

I'll guess, like me, you might be in that 'two day' window.

On hold.

Waiting.

You know you are loved--His Word says so and your spirit knows, but He remains at a distance in regards to answering your prayer.

It's a hard place. An unlovely place. A place that seems like a wilderness, a desert, a dark, deep valley and a raging storm in the middle of the night--all rolled into one.

Might I remind you, as I remind myself, He loves us.

As His, we are loved.

Do you believe it?

Do you truly know in your heart that God loves you?

Are you so fully convinced of God's great love for you that it will keep you through the next 'two days'?

WHERE PROSPERITY TAKES MY HEART

Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"How prosperous Israel is--a luxuriant vine loaded with fruit! But the more wealth the people got, the more they poured it on the altars of their foreign gods. The richer the harvests they brought in, the more beautiful the statues and idols they built." Hosea 10:1 NLT

How easy it is, in comfortable times, to lean more on idols than on God.

To sit, like a child, with our 'toys and trinkets' around us feeling loved...

To consider all we have, and sigh with contentment...

To look over all the blessings we have in life, and busy ourselves counting them--not thanking the Blesser...

We tend to have feelings of entitlement, deserved-ness, inklings of all that we have being owed us.

In our most comfortable times, we tend to act like Israel did--pouring our wealth into our idols.

O God, please keep our eyes and hearts on you, not on our things! 

WISE SPEECH

Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"Wise speech is rarer and more valuable that gold and rubies." Proverbs 20:15 NLT

Ever heard the phrase, 'Quality is better than quantity'?

Isn't that what Solomon is leading us to believe in this proverb he has collected?

One can say a lot...a whole lot. Spouting out opinions. Offering free advice. Critiques. Criticisms. Cutting remarks. Useless words.

But when one who is wise speaks, everyone listens. They pause. They lean in. They value the gems spoken aptly and appropriately.

I'm considering the words I say this morning as I prepare for the day ahead.

I talk too much...and say too little of importance.

I'm asking God to make my words filled with wisdom--and rarer than the precious stones Solomon knew so much about! 

ALL THESE THOUGHTS

Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

"May he be pleased by all these thoughts about him, for I rejoice in the Lord." Psalm 104:34 NLT

Google tells me on average people have between 6,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day and Healthline.com says most Americans process at least 6.5 thought transactions per minute.

That's a whole lot of thinking!

And thinking about thinking has got me to thinking--

Can I, like the psalmist, believe God is pleased with all my thoughts?

Is everything I've considered throughout the past 24 hours honoring to Him?

Do the things I've pondered point to how capable and trustworthy I believe He is?

Are all the things I analyze, contemplate and deliberate fueling my faith--or feeding my fears?

My goal for today, and maybe you would want to join me, is to think about what I think about. 

 

IN ADDITION TO EVERYTHING ELSE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"...Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving me a lasting dynasty!" 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 NLT

I pray you have an 'in addition to everything else' moment like David experience in this portion of Scripture.

I ask that God completely 'undo' you in regards to all He's done for you.

I ask that He open your spiritual eyes as to the depths of the love He pours into your life!

In addition to giving you life--He gives you new life in Him.

In addition to forgiving your sins--He places those same sins as far as the east is from the west.

In addition to saving you from hell--He gives you life, life more abundant.

In addition to a heavenly home--He gives us small pieces of heaven on earth.

In addition to salvation--He gives sanctification.

In addition to mercy--He gives grace.

In addition to Him calling us His children--He gives us the opportunity to go out and make disciples for Him, adding to the family.

In addition to church fellowship--He gives us the privilege of speaking to, and hearing Him speak to us, in prayer.

He just doesn't stop!

 

WAIT HERE
Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"Moses answered, Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord." Numbers 9:8 NLT

If it hadn't been that I had just written in my journal about my feeling overwhelmed with all that's going on around me, I might have skimmed right over this verse.

Had it been in a season of my life that wasn't jam packed with things to do, people to tend to and opportunities coming out of the woodwork to be seven places at once, I might have breezed right through this instruction from the Lord.

But that is exactly where I am--and this verse is exactly what I need to get through it!

Wait here--pause for a moment. Inhale. Exhale. Survey the surroundings.

Until I have received--spent some time in prayer. Talked it through with the Lord.

From the Lord--the One who knows what's best, who needs the most of me, where I can minister for Him with the greatest impact. What exactly is His will and His way and His time for me.

Because, you see, I've scurried through. I've responded before seeking counsel. I've given 'yeses' to everything under the sun. I've wrongly assumed all I am asked to participate in is what I need to do. I'm writing checks out of my 24 hours a day account that might be poor investments, possible time wasters and worse yet, allow me to be too preoccupied to come alongside a work God is doing.

Lord, let me wait here while I receive instruction from you as to my next right step. My soul needs Your guidance and Your insight. I ask that You lead and direct me to honor You with all that I do. I desire the peace that comes from knowing, without a doubt, I am about my Father's business!

  

ENDURING ANYTHING

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." 2 Timothy 2:10 NLT

Paul's 'anything', in this portion of Scripture, was prison.

His 'anything' had included beatings, leaving his home, ridicule and even shipwreck.

He wanted people to know the saving grace of Jesus more than he wanted anything else in the world.

Where do we stand in comparison?

Are we willing to have the hard conversations in order that someone come to know our Lord and Savior?

Are we ready to be ostracized for our love for God?

Are we inclined to push aside shyness for boldness in sharing the Good News?

Enduring 'anything' for the cause of Christ might mean we will be uncomfortable, stretched and placed in awkward situations...but wouldn't it be worth it for someone to know Jesus?

 HAVING THE COURAGE

Today's reading: John 7-8

"There was a lot of discussion about him among the crowds. Some said, He's a wonderful man, while others said, He's nothing but a fraud, deceiving the people. But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders." John 7:12-13 NLT

We can agree that there is a whole lot of talk about Jesus, even today.

He is debated. He is mentioned. He is sung about. He is spoken of. He is referred to when thumbs are smashed or shins are cracked.

There's a lot of discussion about Jesus--are you in any of the conversations?

Are you praising His name?

Are you telling about His saving of your soul?

Are you sharing the Good News of His life, death and resurrection with those you meet?

Are you using His name in ways that honor and glorify Him?

Or are you lacking the courage to speak favorably about Him in the crowds you find yourself in?

Speak up for Jesus!

KNOW THE LORD

Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." Hosea 6:3 NLT

Just how well do we know the Lord?

Know about Him-check.

Know of Him-check.

Know people who know Him-check.

But know Him? Do we really, truly, wholeheartedly, know Him?

Are we fully aware of His will, His direction for our life, who He desires we share Him with?

Do we know what breaks His heart, what makes Him smile, what draws Him closer to us?

Let's press on to know Him better.

Let's make the effort to be in His Word, His letter to us, more.

Let's spend more time listening in prayer than merely presenting a list of wants and needs.

The reward of seeking Him out--He will respond to us!

Oh, that we might know the Lord!

 

ADVICE AND INSTRUCTION

Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life." Proverbs 19:20 NLT

Do you know the difference between 'advice' and 'instruction'?

Advice is information given, facts, guidance and/or opinions. General knowledge offered in a hands-off manner.

Instructions, however, are steps to follow- usually provided by a professional, or at least one who has themselves accomplished said task. Instruction is usually more detailed, technical and precise.

Both are helpful.

Both can be sought.

Both can be offered from the well-meaning, godly people in your life.

But for me--I cherish the instruction given by those Christians in my life who are living it out, not just offering advice. 

Instruction that has had the edges worn off from use, from trial and error, given in the spirit of love and desire to see me accomplish.

Which do you prefer to be given--advice or instruction?

Which do you more freely offer?

MY DAILY TASK

Today's reading: Psalm 99-101

"My daily task will be to ferret out criminals and free the city of the Lord from their grip." Psalm 101:8 NLT

While David's words sound like an oath some muscle-y super hero might be called upon to take, it's not.

It's for us.

As believers.

As children of God.

As inhabitants in a land that is not our home but created by our Good Father.

To ferret out criminals, is to watch for underlying issues. To be very careful as to what we allow to grow and fester and influence.

It starts in our homes. In what we allow, or don't. In what we okay, or don't. In what we participate in, or don't.

We'll never be able to impact the world until we have discipline over the three square feet of earth we occupy in and of ourselves.

Are you completing your daily task? Are you watching for areas in your life where our enemy can creep in through cracked foundations or non-existent determination? Are you taking steps to ferret out the criminal influences in your life?

IT IS TIME

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

"It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul." 1 Chronicles 13:3 NLT

Let me set the stage for this powerful statement by David...

David had been anointed as king many years previous to this moment and had been waiting on God's perfect time for him to step in and take office.

David had spent a majority of that time running from King Saul, fighting battles for King Saul and honoring God's appointment of King Saul.

David had relocated himself and his family many times over the course of the 'wait'.

Now? Now King Saul was dead. The kingdom was being presented to David. The Lord's will and ways were being set into motion.

David's first order of business? To get God, the Ark of the Covenant, back into the city of Jerusalem.

You see, in all the years of turmoil between Saul and David, the Ark had been pushed aside, disregarded, ignored--neglected.

David knew he, the people of Israel, his monarchy, needed God back in His rightful place.

What about you?

Where has God been pushed aside, stored in a back closet or not acknowledged?

What's taken His place in your life? Your time? Your heart?

It is time He be placed back where He's always wanted to be.