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. 

SHOW US, LORD

Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the Lord bless you and protect you.  May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.  May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Numbers 6:22-26 NLT

I have heard this prayer repeated numerous times throughout my life.

But this morning?

This morning I notice a specific portion of the last sentence of the prayer...

'May the Lord show you his favor.'

God knew, oh how God knew, we are people who need to be shown!

We need to have glimpses of His favor and grace placed right in front of us.

We need to see how precious we are to Him.

But I also read it as this:

We need to be on the lookout for His grace and favor!

We need to be expecting it to show up in our day, to be evident in our lives, to be able to be seen as we go about our living for Him.

Do you watch for it?

MIRRORS NOT MICROSCOPES

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16 NLT

We live in a fault-finding society. One filled with finger-pointing and blame-placing. One in which we are always looking at the faults of others, but not seeing the inadequacies in ourselves.

That's not what Paul asks Timothy to do in this letter.

Paul recommends using a mirror to change the world, not a microscope.

He asks Timothy, and us, to look deeply at our own actions and deeds to see where we need to be changed.

He instructs Timothy to begin with the only one any of us can call into account--ourselves.

Here is the challenge I am accepting for myself today: I want to see my role in the circumstances, good and bad, that occur around me...what have I brought on myself, what have I fed, what have I played a part in--and how can I continue or make amends.

Staying true and doing what is right is up to us individually. And to do it the way God asks us to do it? It takes a mirror! 

I CAN'T AND THEY WON'T

Today's reading: John 5-6

"I can't, sir, the sick man said, for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me."  John 5:7 NLT

I don't know of any more debilitating words than 'I can't'.

They are disabling.

They are defeating.

They are demoralizing.

They are depressing.

Especially coming from this man's mouth--a man who was standing face to face, eye to eye, toe to toe, in the very presence of Jesus.

Maybe he couldn't walk--

Maybe his friends were too busy to help--

Maybe his friends had their own issues--

Maybe the folks around him were not considerate to his affirmities--

But to say it to Jesus? His Creator? The one who holds the power of the world in His hands?

How sad.

You don't do the same thing, do you?

When He asks something of you, do you begin listing excuses as to why you can't, reasons why you've never done it before, obstacles that stand in your way?

My, oh my, how our lives would change if we would stop saying, I can't, and instead say...

I CAN if You help me, Lord!

SOMEONE LIKE ME

Today's reading: Daniel 9-12

"How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe. Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. Don't be afraid, he said, for you are deeply loved by God. Be at peace; take heart and be strong!" Daniel 10:17-19 NLT

How can someone like me talk to you, Lord?

I don't deserve to be in Your presence. I don't begin to think You owe me a thing.

I feel Daniel's exhaustion, desperation and depletion as he is approached by You--it takes my breath away!

The truth is it's at that exact moment, feeling those exact feelings, humbled to that exact position is where You do your best work in us!

I don't know why or how You can do anything with someone like me--but I'm here, bowed before You, asking that You do what You, and only You, can do!

LIFE-GIVING WATER

Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"A person's words can be life-giving water, words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:4 NLT

I noticed a sign posted on a bulletin board for an upcoming CPR class offered in our small town. How to help in time of need. Instruction on how to save a life. Medical intervention.

Isn't that what Solomon is suggesting with our words?

Hope. Help. Instruction. A breath of life for someone gasping.

Let's all use our words wisely today.

Let's offer them in kindness.

Let's use them wisely.

Let's give life, not tear down another human being.

 

A NEW SONG

Today's reading: Psalm 96-98

"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!" Psalm 96:1 NLT

"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness." Psalm 98:1 NLT

Isn't it time we sang a new song to the Lord?

Not the song we've sung since childhood. Or the song that's firmly established in our memory. Or the song our church has taught us to sing. Or the song that's always on your heart.

But a new song.

New words.

New lyrics.

New emotions.

A new song.

A new prayer. A new level of thanks. A new confession. A new ask. A new proclamation of one of His attributes. A new way to speak of His greatness. A new conversation that focuses entirely on Him.

Determine to say something new in your conversation with Him or about Him today!
 

NAMING IT

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"There was a man named Jabez who was more distinguished than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful." 1 Chronicles 4:9 NLT

Almost every I know who has been expecting a new baby, including myself, has poured over a list of names.

Has bought the book...

Used internet searches...

Dug into family ancestry...

Asked opinions...

Just to find the right name for the soon to be arriving child. 

Except Jabez's momma.

No doubt she had a tough labor and delivery, as indicated by the Scripture passage. Undoubtedly she struggled to bring Jabez into the world.

But to name him for the struggle, not for his potential?

To name him for a brief time in history, not for the possibility of his future?

To label him with a negative, when the prospective of his life was a blank canvas?

But before we tssk-tssk her into the annals of shameful history, let's take a look at ourselves:

Do we do the same with every inconvenience, interruption and detour from our own plans?

Do we call it a failure--when it's truly a lesson to learn from?

Do we name it defeat--when it's merely a postponement of success?

Do we tag it as a fiasco--when it's simply God re-designing our plans into His?

I'm convicted to look past present circumstances with hope. I'm determined to think past the here and now, the frustration and disappointment, to see God at work.

'Jabez' is off the table in regards to naming my problems! 

THE ROLE OF PROTECTORS

Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"But the Levites will camp around the Tabernacle of the Covenant to offer the people of Israel protection from the Lord's fierce anger. The Levites are responsible to stand guard around the Tabernacle." Numbers 1:53 NLT

Chapter 1 of Numbers gives the account of God asking Moses to take a census of all the men old enough to protect and fight for Israel.

Eleven tribes were counted, reported and assigned as 'protection' in case of attack.

The Levite tribe, however, was assigned a different military role--that of protecting the Israelites from God's fierce anger.

The men of the Levite clan had the specific role of carrying for and carrying out the jobs required to keep the Tabernacle in service. 

These Levitical men were the intercessors for the rest of the Israelites.

As believers, we are 'Levite priests', too.

It's up to us to guard and protect our loved ones and neighbors through prayer. We are to set godly examples in all we do, inside our homes and outside. We are to make sure the church doors remain open and the ministries of the church provided with plenty of volunteers. We are to distribute wisdom in how we react and respond. We are to pour out patience that is seen as light in a dark world. We are to do all we do in love.

In doing so, in being 'Levites', we become an army fighting for their souls and their eternal futures.

THE FIXER IN ME

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus/" 1 Timothy 2:5 NLT

The fixer in me wants to settle arguments, smooth out disagreements and orchestrate the unkempt lives of those I love.

Isn't that funny?

Me? 

Imperfect, limited, weak, near-sighted me!

There is only One who can fix messes, right wrongs, mend relationships and turn mountains into mole-hills.

It's Jesus!

What a reminder to me this morning that whatever issue I am facing...

Whatever problem I want to get solved...

Whose ever heart I want to fix...

I can't.

But Jesus can!

 

JOHN 3:17

Today's reading: John 3-4

"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:17 NLT

While so many of us stop and ponder the enormity of truth in John 3:16, this morning I have been given pause in regards to the verse that follows it...

The verse that is as powerful...

The verse that straightens our feelings for facts...

The verse that points to our rescue, or salvation...

God did not send Jesus to mark us as sinners. He did not allow His One and Only Son to walk this earth to merely pass judgement. He did not send our Good Shepherd to merely wrangle a bunch of witless sheep.

God allowed Jesus to state the truth of our sinful state and provide a hope in His gift of salvation!

Were we all rightly judged as sin filled? Yes!

Are we all given the opportunity to have those sins forgiven and our souls cleansed? YES! Praise God, YES!

This morning I'm thanking God that He didn't just send Jesus into this world to condemn us, but to save us--fully, completely, entirely, wholeheartedly and eternally!

AS USUAL

Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel 6:10 NLT

What's your 'as usual'? Your 'go to'? Your habit?

When the world presses in, or hammers down, or completely falls apart in your hands--what's your 'as usual' response'?

For Daniel, it was prayer.

Talking to God.

Listening for God.

Being away from all else and any one else, but God.

How I pray that single response would become my knee jerk reaction to the happenings of life!

When tough times come--I pray.

When stormy clouds boil above me--I pray.

When blessings pour down on me--I pray.

When I don't know what to do--I pray.

What a difference there would be in the worlds if we developed the 'as usual' discipline of prayer! 

EXAMINING OUR MOTIVES

Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives." Proverbs 16:2 NLT

How long has it been since you've given God full access to you?

To your motives...

To the closet where you hide all your skeletons...

To the deepest depths of your heart...

To the cave of thoughts that determine your actions...

How long has it been since you've allowed God to look at the 'real you'?

Not the church attender...

Not the Sunday School teacher...

Not the committee member...

Not the faithful tither...

How long has it been since you have asked God to take a deeper look at your soul?

To xray your every desire...

To explore your past...

To be completely all up in your business...

To take the reins...

We may look good, fulfill all the tasks, and fool a whole lot of people--but God knows us better than we know ourselves! 

MIGHTIER THAN THESE

Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"The mighty oceans have roared, O Lord. The mighty oceans roar like thunder; the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore--the Lord above is mightier than these! " Psalm 93:3-4 NLT

I don't know about you, but some days, a whole lot of days actually, I need reminded that God is greater, bigger, stronger, kinder, more loving and more powerful than the tough things I am going through!

He is mightier than the doctor's diagnosis.

He is greater than the worry than keeps us up at night.

He is kinder than the betraying friend.

He is more faithful than even the morning daybreak.

He loves more than our nearest and dearest.

He is stronger than the pull of the world and all of sin's temptations.

We need to have on repeat in our head, and on our lips--The Lord above is mightier than these!

THE NAMES AFTER YOURS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

As I read the first four chapters of 1 Chronicles, I am presented with a list of names. A genealogy. A family tree.

Name after name.

Descendant upon descendant.

I've read them before. I've skimmed over the list a time or two. I've entirely skipped these chapters on numerous occasions.

But this morning?

This morning, I paused...

And I listened for God to speak...

And I heard this spoken to my heart...

One day, living for Me, walking with Me, introducing others to Me--your name will have many names after it.

What an exciting thing to think about--being able to impact others, descendants, generations after me with my relationship with the Lord!

I cannot wait to start doing that when I am 'old'. I cannot sit and sulk over wasted opportunities in my past. I am given today and all it holds in regards to me walking through doors God will open for me to impact someone for Him.

I think it's important to consider the spiritual imprint we will leave on those who follow us! 

I WILL ORDER MY BLESSING

Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"But you might ask, What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year? The answer is, I will order my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a bumper crop, enough to support you for three years." Leviticus 25:20-21 NLT 

God's people have just been given an entire chapter filled with instructions on how to treat the new land He brought them into.

In these instructions were commands about the Sabbath years, or fallow years, they were to take and details about the Year of Jubilee.

And their response to these instructions...in this new land...where they have seen God bring them...for which God preserved them...about which God promised them?

They were worried about what they would eat in the years when the land was to rest.

God's reply?

God's reply to us when we question IF He is enough...

'I will order my blessing for you.'

He promises to supply when we obey.

He assures us He will provide when we follow His instructions.

He guarantees there will always be enough when we believe Him.

'I will order my blessing for you.'

We must simply obey.

ALL MADE POSSIBLE

Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT

Can you list the things that 'have all been made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ"?

Do you have enough paper and ink?

Are you soberly assessing His gracious hand on your life and how very little you have had to do with any of it?

Do you realize that you are His only by His grace and calling?

It's only when we have a firm grasp on this amazing grace that our lives can impact others for Christ. It's then, and only then, that we value it, accept it wholeheartedly and want to share it with others.

It's when we bow in awe of God's saving grace that we see it for what it truly is--undeserved favor!

 

SIX WATERPOTS

Today's reading: John 1-2

"Six stone waterpots were standing there; they were used for Jewish ceremonial purposes, and held twenty to thirty gallons each. Jesus told the servants, Fill the jars with water. When the jars had been filled to the brim, he said, Dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies. So they followed his instructions." John 2:6-8 NLT

We are given here the account of Jesus's very first miracle...water into wine.

While I have always been amazed by His abilities to change the water, His acceptance of His mother's challenge to help out and His means of introduction into His ministry...what most catches me off guard is that He asked the servants to be a part of it all.

He asked the servants to fill the waterpots.

He asked them to participate in what He was about to do.

Jesus could have, easily, wiggled His godly nose and the waterpots filled themselves.

Jesus could have, without any regard to the law of nature, snapped His heavenly fingers and bottles of wine appeared upon the tables.

He could have done so many more miracles than turning water into wine!

But He chose to let others participate...to get into the miracle itself...to be eye witnesses to what He chose to do.

He still does that today!

He gives us opportunity to come alongside Him on His miracle working missions.

He lets us walk hand in hand with Him from one miraculous event to another.

He lets us get dirty in the process of Him performing miracles in the lives of others.

Are we saying 'Yes' to His invitation? 

PUTTING AWAY IDOLS

Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"Now let them put away their idols and the sacred pillars erected to honor their kings, and I will live among them forever." Ezekiel 43:9 NLT

Lord,

What would you have me put away in order that You be my highest, greatest priority?

What idols am I bowing to, bending to, carrying closer to my heart than You?

In what ways am I worshiping things more than I worship You?

Am I honoring my self, my ways, my plans, more than I am You?

What habitation of the Spirit am I forfeiting with my idolatry?

Would you open my eyes, and heart, to all things idol-like in my life? Would you use the scalpel of Your Word to divide and remove what doesn't need to be in my life?

Place me under Your conviction.

Give me to the desire to be changed into the image of Your Son.

Clear out what's needed for you to live among me--in all I do.

Amen.
 

RELAXED

Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away." Proverbs 14:30 NLT

Sometimes in order to grasp the meaning of a proverb, one must look at its opposite.

While we know what relaxed means--at ease, carefree, unstressed, have you considered what decriptors there might be for not being relaxed, or the absence of relaxation...

Nervous.

Fidgety.

Agitated.

Worried.

Stressed.

Edgey.

Jumpy.

Tense.

Just reading over that list allows us to see how a relaxed attitude would lengthen one's life. 

So what about your life?

How are you living it?

I'm not asking what circumstances you find yourself in, or what others have done to you--I'm asking what attitude you are choosing to take through it all?

I'm not asking how many vacation getaways you take, how often you book a day at the spa or whether or not you spend some time in yoga--I'm asking which frame of mind you determine to camp out in.

One will give you a better life, the other will suck the life out of you.

SATISFY US
Today's reading: Proverbs 90-92

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." Psalm 90:14 NLT

I don't know if you are a morning person, or not.

I am.

I like to be up before the sun arrives for duty, before the rooster crows to wake the dawn, before busyness crowds in on a day.

Mornings are when I do my quiet time with the Lord.

It's peaceful. It's seldom filled with interruptions. It's just God and I.

It sets the pace for the day ahead.

It determines the tone of my next 24 hours.

It gets my head and heart in the right place for what may lie ahead.

And at the end of the day? As I lay my head on my pillow and consider the day's accomplishments, deeds, decisions and detours--I am satisfied.

Oh, not always in myself! Not even in the day's events. Not even in everyone I bumped in to throughout the day!

I'm satisfied because I started the day off with the Lord. I chose to partake of His love and kindness. I made the decision to seek Him out. I spent some time just my Savior and I.

That, dear friends, is satisfying! 

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO

Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

"He followed the example of his father, worshiping the same idols that his father had worshiped." 2 Kings 21:21 NLT

For a parent,...

No, let me restate that...

For anyone who has influence over anyone, which includes all of us, this single verse should strike fear in our hearts, bring conviction to our souls and challenge us to live godlier lives.

We set an example for someone!

There is always another who is watching us, noticing our actions, taking note of our every deed, paying attention to all we say.

Here is the question the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart upon reading this verse...

What worship habit are you willing to pass on to _____?

'You do you' as you fill in the blank on that question. Consider your life, your tendencies, your patterns and routines as you think about your influence on those who hear some of what you say but watch every move.

Let me re-word the question...

What habit will I continue that I would be proud to see passed on to the next generation?

What response technique am I modeling for him/her to repeat in their own lives?

What recurring sin am I falling prey to every time the enemy presents it to me, and is it one I am willing to let another struggle with throughout their life?

What custom do I have that might be hard to break now, but by its absence will make life easier for those who follow me?

What example am I setting in what/who/how I worship?

Thinking through this verse and these questions should make us all stop and consider how our idol worship might impact those who follow after us.

 

A WORTHY OFFERING

Today's reading: Leviticus 22-24

As I'm reading through Leviticus, I come across the subtitle, Worthy and Unworthy Offerings.

This portion of Scripture, Leviticus 22:17-33, gives the priests the specific instructions in regards to which animals can be offered to the Lord and which ones can't. The list is quite detailed. It's quite long. It's quite exclusive.

To be acceptable, an animal must...

-not be female.

-have no physical defects.

-cannot be blind.

-can't be injured.

-cannot be mutilated.

-cannot have a growth of any sort.

-has no open sores or scabs.

-not be from a foreigner.

What a comprehensive list! Think how few animals fit the bill. 

As an Israelite traveling to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, would one take several animals with you--in case one wasn't up to snuff, one got injured on the way, one died?

I have to tell you, just reading this list exhausts me. The effort made to be right with God. The details required. The hope that what you present is deemed acceptable.

And...

I'm so glad Jesus was our worthy sacrifice!

He was all that was required. He was enough for me, you and everyone else. He paid the price for every one of our sins.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!

THINK CLEARLY

Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

"But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT

Believers, let's start thinking with our heads and our hearts, and not with our feelings.

Let's make decisions based on the facts of God's Word and the purpose of witnessing to those who don't yet know Him.

Let's respond in ways that glorify and honor our Crucified Savior.

Let's speak out of hearts that are filled with grace because our Lord has been so very gracious to us.

Let us think clearly in regards to opinions, politics, reactions and preferences.

Let's allow God to be so in us that He flows out of us with every thing we say and do--confident that the One who saved us can keep us, use us and give us opportunity to shine for Him! 

CHECK YOUR FRIENDSHIPS

Today's reading: Luke 23-24

"Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day." Luke 23:12 NLT

The common denominator in Herod and Pilate's new friendship was that they had condemned and rejected Jesus.

How sad.

To have a friendship that, at its center, was based upon turning their backs on a True Friend.

I would gasp in disbelief. I might even shake my head in the shame of it all. I could even tssk-tssk their choices, but I'll be completely honest--some days I do the same thing.

As sad as it is, there are days when my choices bend me towards the friendship of the world and not of Christ.

My words, at times, betray any relationship I have with my Savior.

My fears do not portray the trust my best Friend's track record should instill in my heart.

How quickly, in tough times, inconvenient times, rough times, and times that don't go my way, I turn my back on the friendship I have with my Savior.

And when I do? When I choose another friend?

I'm left with the likes of a Pilate, or a Herod.

KNOWING HIM THAT WELL
Today's reading: Ezekiel 37-42 

"Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God--responsible for sending them away to exile and responsible for bringing them home. I will leave none of my people behind." Ezekiel 39:28 NLT

Do you know God well enough to understand the conviction of sin AND the peace a repentant heart provides?

Have you seen God allow consequences to draw you away from Him AND know the wooing love of your Savior winning you back?

Do you completely understand the enormity of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross on your behalf AND grasp the humility required to accept His precious gift of salvation?

Do you know God that well?

GODLINESS

Today's reading: Proverbs 13

"Godliness helps people all through life, while the evil are destroyed by their wickedness." Proverbs 13:6 NLT

You hear, every once in a while, about death bed confessions.

Moments at the end of a person's life in which they turn their hearts over to the Lord, before slipping off into eternity.

Hooray for them! To have settled with the Lord their sins and accepted His gift of salvation before it's too late.

But as the proverb this morning states, godliness-being led by God, directed by God, imitating God's Son, and living to please God-benefits a person the entirety of their life!

Godliness helps a person when they are young, not to make choices that leave life-long consequences.

Godliness helps a person as they 'adult', setting boundaries that lead to an honorable life.

Godliness helps a person when life throws them a curve-ball, one that might otherwise completely knock the props out from under you if not for faith.

Godliness helps a person when standing for right, needing to be courageous and when enemies attack.

Godliness is what will get a person from birth to death-- and beyond! 

KEEP PLEADING

Today's reading: Psalm 87-89

"O Lord, I cry out to you, I will keep on pleading day by day." Psalm 88:13 NLT

I consider myself to be a persistent person.

Well, maybe more of a routine-oriented person, you might say.

Except when it comes to praying.

The important prayers that is--prayers for the salvation of loved ones, prayers for a closer walk with the Lord, prayers for my church and my nation--and Israel.

And the listening part of prayer.

Especially, the listening part of prayer.

Am I persistent, pleading one might say, in leaning in to listen for God's side of my prayer conversation?

No, I am not.

I spout off the needs I have...

I speak words of praise for who He is...

I thank Him for all He's done...

I tell Him where I've messed up...

But seldom, if ever, do I stop long enough and listen for His reply--His directives--His responses.

Today I'm going to plead with myself to practice the pause needed to hear Him speak to me.

Prayer is not a one-sided conversation, I tend to forget that.

BUT NOT AS MUCH

Today's reading: 2 Kings 16-20

"He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, but not as much as the kings of Israel who ruled before him." 2 Kings 17:2 NLT

We live in a 'not as much' society.

A society where we say...

Maybe I did sin, but my sin wasn't as stinky as theirs.

Yes, I chose to follow my heart rather than God, but did you see them ____?

Sure, I did ___, but it wasn't as bad as their ____. 

Friend, did you know (or did you need reminding) that when we stand before God, we'll not be answering for anyone other than ourselves--and our answer will be a simple, YES or NO...

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

God will not grade our sins, prioritize our foibles, weigh out our mistakes. 

He will ask...

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

He won't ask about 'them'. He won't compare your rap sheet against theirs. He will ask you, point blank...

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

So today, with all eyes on your own heart...

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?