IN THAT DAY

Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28

"In that day the people will proclaim, This is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9 NLT

I don't know how long you've been praying for 'it'.

I don't know how many seasons you have endured and still your 'thorn' remains in place.

I don't know how many times you have seen glimpses of hope on the horizon, only to find out it was a mirage.

I do know this:

As a believer in the One True God...

As a child of the Creator of the heavens and the earth...

As one who has accepted Christ as your Savior and Shepherd and Friend...

That day is coming.

All that you are trusting Him for, will come to pass.

Every request that you have prayed for in His will, will be answered.

There will be a day when you will proclaim that He is trustworthy in all you have placed into His caring and loving hands!

 CANNOT DO THAT IN MY OWN STRENGTH

Today's reading: Job 9-10

"Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength." Job 9:35 NLT

This verse ends Job's reply to his friend Bildad.

Bildad had laid down some pretty nasty assumptions about Job possibly depending upon things other than God for his security.

Job knew the truth.

Job knew how useless that would be.

Job knew his only hope was in God--and at that particular time in life, Job was having a hard time wondering if He was still on his side.

So he speaks from the heart.

He questions all he knows.

He states God's greatness and restates his own weakness.

Then we have the closing verse of chapter nine...

Job states that he cannot talk to God in his own strength.

He hasn't got it in him to approach the Creator.

He isn't capable of talking outright to the Lord.

He couldn't possibly put together a sense-making sentence in the presence of God.

Nor could we!

Thank God, as saved, born again Christians, we have Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

Jesus's blood places a covering over us that makes us able to approach God--

The Holy Spirit envelops the words we speak and makes them into what God will hear and understand--

And because of that, God willingly accepts us into His throne room with any and all needs/questions/petitions/complaints we might have!

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

REFINED

Today's reading: Psalm 12-14

"The Lord's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over." Psalm 12:6 NLT

When a precious metal is 'refined', that means it is heated to the point at which its entirety melts and any impurities within it rise to the top and can be skimmed off by the metalworker.

To think David refers to God's promises as 'silver refined seven times', should cause us to attempt to grasp just how precious His promises are.

They are tested--and found to be true!

They are hope-filled--He will never, and can never, go back on His word!

They are entirely based upon His holiness--not on our own efforts!

They are timeless--not only did they stand for men like Noah and Moses, they stand true for us today!

Do you keep a list of God's promises before you at all times? Do you have a print off of what He promises? I'm attaching a link, maybe you will print it off and keep His promises constantly before you!

https://crosslakeefc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/365-PROMISES.pdf

(This list was compiled by the Log Church from 365promises.com, not by me.)

 

 AS SIMPLE AS A ROCK

Today's reading: Joshua 21-24

"The people told Joshua, We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey him alone. So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and the Lord. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. As a reminder of their agreement, he took a huge stone and rolled it beneath the oak tree beside the Tabernacle of the Lord. Joshua said to all the people, This stone has heard everything the Lord said to us. It will be a witness to testify against you if you go back on your word to God." Joshua 24:24-27 NLT

Might there be something as simple as a rock that you could have in your eyesight every day to remind you of your commitment to God?

A small pebble on the kitchen windowsill?

A tiny rock on your desk?

A piece of gravel on the dashboard of your car?

A boulder you have to move to reach your cell phone or television remote?

Something that is a visual reminder of your desire to serve God wholeheartedly?

Something that takes you back to a time in which you made a determination to follow God?

Maybe even something that might incite a conversation with another--and therefore an opportunity to share the Good News and in turn gain an accountability partner in your faith walk?

Find your rock. 

ENDING OF A CONVERSATION
Today's reading: Genesis 16-19

"That ended the conversation, and God left Abraham." Genesis 17:22 NLT

Might it be you are at a point where you aren't hearing the Lord speak?

Could it be He remains silent when you cry out to Him?

Maybe you, as mentioned in today's reading, feel as if God has ended the conversation--and left the room?

Consider this:

Before God ever 'exited the conversation' with Abraham, God left him with plenty to ponder...

Plenty to think about...

Plenty to anticipate...

Plenty to prepare for...

Plenty to do...

Might it be the same for you?

God speaks through His Spirit...

He speaks through His Word...

He speaks through God-fearing believers...

He speaks through all the promises He has made...

So that leaves us with plenty to do. Lots to find peace in. A great deal of promises to stand upon. Many things to expect. 

It very well might be that this 'quiet time' is the perfect time for you to be acting upon what you've already heard Him say.

MY FAME

Today's reading: Romans 9-10

"For the Scriptures say that God told Pharoah, I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you, and so that my fame might spread throughout the earth." Romans 9:17 NLT

It's not about you.

It's not about me.

It's all about God.

His ordained purposes. His power. His fame.

Knowing that single truth can change the trajectory of our lives.

It stops being about our comfort.

 Or about our plans.

Or about whether or not it's fair.

Or about the how, when, why, who and what.

It allows us to come to a soul-rest by looking for Him in all we are involved in.

It takes our eyes off of us and places them on God.

And in having our vision focused on God, we won't miss out on seeing His power and fame!

 

 THE GOOD ENOUGH

Today's reading: Matthew 8-10

"...For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are good enough." Matthew 9:13 NLT

I don't know about you, but I have on my 'To Pray For' list, plenty of folks who think they are good enough to get into heaven without Jesus.

Nice people.

Helpful people.

Friendly people.

Good people.

People whose lives are filled with care and compassion, who hands help and serve, whose feet take them into opportunities that assist others...

But with hearts bound for hell because they don't realize their need for a Savior.

Every good person, even the best people, have to come to the realization that they are not good enough on their own.

Every 'good enough person' will come to a moment in their life when they realize in the heights of their goodness, they miss the mark set as a standard for eternity with God.

Today I pray for those people.

The 'good enoughs'.

The ones, who without seeking forgiveness, will miss out on heaven and time spent in the presence of the Savior.

 RUNNING TO YOUR ARMORY

Today's reading: Isaiah 18-22

"...You run to the armory for your weapons. You inspect the walls of Jerusalem to see what needs repaired. You store up water in the lower pool. You check the houses and tear some down to get stone to fix the walls. Between the city walls, you build a reservoir for water from the old pool. But all your feverish plans are to no avail because you never ask God for help..." Isaiah 22:9-11 NLT

I am no doubt reaching a highly skilled and quite capable audience.

Folks who can do just about anything. Who can go to great lengths to accomplish whatever it is they might want or need. Who have resources at their fingertips that will enable them to conquer just about any task.

I'll guess I 'speak' to people with great talents, many skills and God-given gifts.

But is what I say falling on the ears and hearts of people who ask God for His help?

Swooping in and saving the day is a great gift--if it's God led.

Riding in and rescuing those who are in harm's way is wonderful--if it's God led.

Doing what needs done within the church walls is ministry--if it's God led.

Being a helping hand, the feet of Jesus and a drink of cool water is what we're here to do--if it's God led.

A whole lot of 'good things' have been done that God never asked any of us to do. While a whole lot of 'great things' remain unattended because God's people never asked His advice on the circumstances before us.

I've read this portion of Scripture a few times already this morning and am spending some time in prayer about whether or not I am merely doing based on my resourcefulness, my knowledge of what's in front of me or because I'm getting to do something that uses my skillset--or doing what God has for me to do.

Maybe it's a good question to ask of yourself?

 TRANSIENT

Today's reading: Job 7-8

"...Our days on earth are as transient as a shadow." Job 8:9 NLT

If today were your last day, how might you spend it? Who might you make time to spend it with? What amends might you busy yourself attending to?

I'm not being morbid, I'm being realistic.

I'm being practical.

I'm being realistic.

None of us know the number of days we have, or the manner in which we will pass from this life to eternity.

Transient means lasting only a short time.

That's life.

No matter how many years of it you may be gifted with, at the end, I am sure it seems as if it passed too quickly.

Not nearly enough time with family and loved ones.

Not nearly enough time to experience all the good things.

Not nearly enough time to make a mark on the world.

Not nearly enough time to share the love of Christ.

How differently our lives might look if we chose to live some part of each day as if it could be our last?

Would it change our conversations?

Would it re-arrange our schedules?

Would it find the much needed pause that affords us opportunity to be still and know the love of the Lord, to truly see the wonder of His creation, to thank Him for all He has done?

Would it turn your self-centeredness into outward focus?

 SO I CAN PRAISE YOU

Today's reading: Psalm 9-11

"Save me, so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem's gates, so I can rejoice that You have rescued me." Psalm 9:14 NLT

God,

Might I borrow David's prayer?

Could I use it to express to You what I want most?

You see, I pray (and pray and pray) for You to step in to so many different situations and hearts.

I ask You to touch lives and change minds--including my own.

I ask that You be glorified in it all.

Not that I be seen as some great prayer warrior...

Or that people are drawn to me so that I might carry their requests to You...

Or that my name be associated with anything to do with the answer...

But that You receive all the glory and honor!

That when folks see the answer, they cannot help but say, Oh, that was God!

Continue to allow me the privilege to pray, to come before You with the needs and wants of my heart--but always, always make sure the spotlight is on You!

Amen

CITIES OF REFUGE

Today's reading: Joshua 16-20

"These cities were set apart for Israelites as well as the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed another person could take refuge in one of these cities. In this way, they could escape being killed in revenge prior to standing trial before the community." Joshua 20:9 NLT

Cities of refuge were established as the Israelites began to settle in the Promised Land.

Places where folks involved in questionable circumstances could find help, hope and safety. Secure spots where they could open up about their sides of the story. Locations where they might find love and support. Settings that were neither hostile to the offender or blind to right and wrong. Venues that allow for repentance and restoration, and when God-led, reconciliation.

These locales were not instituted to cover-up sins. They were not intended to sweep injustices under the rug and out of sight. They were not created to house criminals, but to harbor healing. 

Isn't that what our churches are to be?

 THE NIGHT SKY

Today's reading: Genesis 12-15

"Then the Lord brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that--too many to count! And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:5-6 NLT

I urge you to sit out under the stars.

No matter where you live.

No matter how old you are.

Despite the temperatures.

In spite of your already busy schedule.

Just take a few minutes, away from the light pollution of our towns and cities, and sit under the stars.

It's good for the mind.

It's good for the spirit.

It's good for your faith.

You see, when you 'turn the lights off' on everything else, and pause for a performance by God himself, you will be amazed.

It will deepen your trust.

It will calm your fears.

It will slow you to a pace that allows you to hear and see your Creator.

SIN TOOK ADVANTAGE

Today's reading: Romans 7-8

"Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is evil? Of course not! The law is not sinful, but it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, Do not covet. But sin took advantage of this law and aroused all kinds of forbidden desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power." Romans 7:7-8 NLT

To 'take advantage' means to make unfair demands on someone who cannot or will not resist the temptation.

Isn't that exactly what sin does in our lives?

It pushes us to limits.

It stretches our resolve.

It pulls out all the stops.

It reduces our mental strength.

It falsifies evidence.

It twists truth.

It shadows consequences.

Sin takes advantage of our defeated positions and ...

...holds us under water for just a few more seconds.

...pushes us to the edge of the decision.

...provides us with a quick fix and a socially acceptable response.

...exhausts us to the point we will always take the easy way out.

Watch out for sin in your life--it will always take advantage of you!

 SALT AND LIGHT

Today's reading: Matthew 5-7

"You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." Matthew 5:13-14 NLT

(I will not consider it to be a coincidence that this is the passage of Scripture I am studying for Sunday School this week AND it comes up in my daily reading plan. I will consider it something to be taken note of, to be taken to heart, to be taken slow and steady as I process and ingest it.)

When I taught in the AWANA Cubbie program, I always had a set routine I would use when meeting a new child (ages 3-5).

As the parent would bring the little to our classroom for the first time, I would bend down and greet them eye to eye. I would introduce myself. I would shake their hand and I would tell them about all the wonderful things we would be doing in our time together.

Then I would stand and welcome the parent. I would ask about any allergies or medical issues we needed to be aware of. Then I would ask the parent to tell me a few things about their little guy/gal.

More than once I had a parent tell me, 'Johnny is shy'. I would attempt to stop them before completing the sentence. If I couldn't, my response was...'Let's not put that label on them in this classroom. Let's speak grander, bigger, greater words over them than that.'

The parents would always smile--either from being encouraged or in a cynical, but kind, manner.

I believe Jesus used the same theology on his disciples that day on the Mount of Beatitudes.

He told his followers they were salt and light.

Not that they would be...

Or that they could be...

Or that they should be...

He spoke a large calling onto their hearts and lives that would impact them for the rest of their days.

If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, then you too, are salt and light.

You are an impact and an influence.

You are a guide and a governing effect on others around you.

There is power in our words, even more power in the words of Jesus--think of what He has called you to be and act upon that calling!

 TELL THEM THIS

Today's reading: Isaiah 12-17

"What should we tell the enemy messengers? Tell them that the Lord has built Jerusalem, and that the poor of his people will find refuge in its walls." Isaiah 14:32 NLT

I can't be the only one to whom my enemy whispers choruses of doubt, promptings of temptations and inuendos of hopelessness. 

In dark times he speaks darkness over my soul. On cloudless days he attempts intimidation and fear-mongering. He distracts. He discourages. He lies.

So what do we do when it happens?

It's as simple as telling him what God has done and promises to do!

Our enemy needs the reminder.

Our hearts do, too.

You, above all else, know what God has done for you. Speak it!

You have seen with your own eyes what God's Word reveals of His power and majesty throughout the ages. Speak it!

You have watched God come through on numerous occasions in the lives of friends and family members. Speak it!

Tell them.

Tell the enemy messengers, when they attempt to cloud your mind, the greatness of your God!

 GOALS

Today's reading: Job 5-6

"But I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on." Job 6:11 NLT

Where would we be had Job given up at this point in his life?

If he had stopped...

If he had thrown in the towel...

If he had turned in his faith card...

If he had washed his hand of God...

Had he chosen that route, we--a people living thousands of years removed from him--would be missing out on all we can glean from his life.

So, what about you?

You can give up now--or keep going.

You can throw in the towel--or find your 'why'.

You can attempt to wash your hand of God--but who might not come to know Him if you were to quit now?

So keep going.

As hard as it might be.

As futile as it might feel.

Even if you don't think you can.

Even if you have to manufacture the want to.

I truly believe, like Job, God will see us through!

 A JUST GOD

Today's reading: Psalm 6-8

"Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice." Psalm 7:6 NLT

Very seldom do you hear someone ask God to be just in His dealings and responses.

Most of us want God to be fair, not just.

God isn't fair.

He wouldn't be God if He were.

You see, fairness primarily focuses on equality, everything being equal; while justice primarily involves rightness, everything being done in a right way.

As an example:

Fair is a baker in a small town giving loaves of bread to all people. Justice is that same local baker giving loaves of bread to those in need.

We tend to want God to answer our requests in order to make life 'fair' for us. Easier for us. More comfortable for us.

But just?

God being just in our lives might entail some conviction. Some repentance. Some withholding of blessings until we are living in godly ways. Some discipline extended in an effort to turn our hearts to Him.

May we all ask God to be just in our lives in an effort to get our hearts and minds focused squarely upon Him!

 WHAT THE LORD PROMISED ME

Today's reading: Judges 11-15

"So I'm asking you to give me the hill country that the Lord promised me..." Judges 14:12 NLT

It takes a quick reference back to Number 13 to know exactly what Caleb was talking about in this verse...

Caleb and the scouts had just finished a walking tour of the Promised Land. Two types of men were on this exploratory mission--ones who were intimidated by the project ahead and ones who were ready to ride in and take all God was offering.

Caleb was in the group of men believing, that with God's help and leadership, they could obtain the entire land.

As a reward for his faith, he was promised some hill country as his own, for his family.

Caleb had stuck it out. Caleb had done the hard things. Caleb had followed God's lead. Caleb had waited his turn.

Now?

Now, Caleb was ready to have all God had offered to him.

What about you?

Are you content with snippets of God's reward?

Are you happy to have scraps off God's table?

Are you satisfied to receive bits and pieces of God's promises, but never the whole thing?

Maybe it's time we all started to ask God for our 'hill country'--and to start living as ones who have a God big enough, loving enough and true enough to give it!

God's 'hill country' comes with His power, His peace, His joy and His presence. Isn't that what you want out of life?

Lord, give us the hill country You promised us as believers!

STOPPING SHORT

Today's reading: Genesis 8-11

"Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot (his son Haran's child) and left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. But they stopped instead at the village of Haran and settled there. Terah lived for 205 years and died while still at Haran." Genesis 11:31-32 NLT

You know, as many times as I have read through the Bible--and read this particular portion of chapters, I've never once noticed that Abram's father, Terah, was the first to desire the Promised Land.

Maybe for himself--he just wanted to see what it was all about.

Maybe for his son--he wanted more for his child than he ever had himself.

Maybe in obedience to God--merely seven generations past his grandfather Noah.

So why did he stop short of completing his journey? Why did he never finish the trip? Why did he settle for Haran when a land flowing with milk and honey awaited him?

Might it be that Canaan wasn't written into his life story? That all that needed done in the Promised Land wasn't for him to do? Could it be that God determined Terah to not be the 'father of many nations', but the father of the father of many nations?

This particular piece of Scripture is giving me new lenses to see others through. What I think I know...What I think should be...What I think will happen...How I believe someone has gotten to where they are today...How they have become who they have become...

 

THE PRICE OF OBEDIENCE

Today's reading: Romans 5-6

"Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." Romans 5:19 NLT

Christ's costly obedience on the cross provides us eternal salvation.

What might our obedience do?

Might our 'yes' lead others to the Lord and His saving grace?

Might our 'yes' point friends and loved ones to the Cross?

Might our 'yes' take us completely outside our comfort zones and into the territory of God's Kingdom?

Might our 'yes' force us to to stop relying our ourselves and lean entirely on God and His power?

Might our 'yes' reach out and touch the lost loved ones of other believers--and in turn their 'yes' direct our unsaved family and friends to salvation?

There is a cost to godly obedience, but it will always be worth the price!

Say 'yes' to God. 

TURN TO GOD

Today's reading: Matthew 3-4

"In those days John the Baptist began preaching in the Judean wilderness. His message was, Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:1-2 NLT

In a day and time when we are offered so many good choices, it's time we ask ourselves--Are we choosing what's best?

John the Baptist preached God's message, Turn from your sins and turn to God!

He did not preach, Turn from your sins and turn to a great exercise program. Or, Turn from your sins and to a wonderful new hobby. Or, Turn from your sins and to a new group of friends.

John knew that turning from sin was a task in itself, but turning to God? Turning from God would be a life changer!

You see, we can root all the sin out of our life and unless we fill those holes left in our spirits with God, other sins will fill us up again.

Not necessarily drugs. Not even alcohol. Or gossip. Or lying.

Good things fill up those holes just as quickly.

Signing up for another Bible study...

Offering to lead another class at church...

Volunteering for another committee...

Those 'fillers' will keep you busy, but only turning to God will keep you holy.

Turn from your sins and turn to God. 

WHOM & WHERE
Today's reading: Isaiah 7-11

"What will you do when I send desolation upon you from a distant land? To whom will you turn for help? Where will your treasures be safe?" Isaiah 10:3 NLT

I'm not someone who sits and frets over doomsday scenarios.

I don't keep an underground bunker filled with groceries, water and fuel, in case there is a zombie apocalypse.

I don't weary myself over the 'what-ifs' of a future that is bound to get harder by the day.

But this verse and these questions...

They make me stop and ponder.

They give me cause to consider.

They remind me to reflect and evaluate.

They make me meditate on what false gods I am trusting in and where I place my hope.

When desolation comes, and it will for each and every one of us at some point in time, where will we run for help? Will we seek solace in all we've accumulated? Will we rest in what we've accrued? Will we lean heavily upon all that we've done in life?

When the end of our lives arrive, what we will be spending our last days doing--or will we have already done all that needs done by trusting our sins and our eternity to the Lord?

If WHO we will run to and WHERE we will turn is answered in any way other than God, we need to make amends now. Before it's too late. Before we've used up our finals opportunities. Before desolation comes and we are left with houses built of spiderwebs.

TURNING THE PAGE

Today's reading: Job 3-4

"I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest; instead, only trouble comes." Job 3:26 NLT

As we read Job's words in the closing of chapter 3, we might be left with a bad taste in our mouth on how God treats His own.

We might nod in agreement with Job as he sighs and groans with the grief and sorrow he is experiencing.

We might even be a little empathetic, having walked a few miles in his shoes.

But friend--believing friend, chapter 3 wasn't the end of Job's life story!

Continue reading.

Read past his bemoaning.

Read on past his friends' unhelpful words of solace.

Read on through the book to the point at which Job realizes this sad, sorrow-filled time, was merely a chapter.

A season.

A brief portion of the days of his life.

A small segment of his testimony.

A comma in the writing down of his life, not a period.

Then, friend, remember that for yourself. Today is today, it's not the entirety of your story.

 

WAIT EXPECTANTLY

Today's reading: Psalm 3-5

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3 NLT

Might I make a confession?

It's in regards to this verse...

I am awfully good at the first part of the verse--talking to God in the morning.

The last part of the verse--the waiting expectantly part? Well, I fail there miserably.

I pour out my needs.

I gush my list of wants.

I then, sadly, attempt to pick up God like a handbag and carry Him into my day.

I don't wait to hear from Him.

I don't wait expectantly.

I want to. I need to. I am supposed to.

How might it look?

Well, I will slow down the gear at which I live life.

I will quiet myself and listen.

I will simply sit in His presence until I feel Him tell me it's time to get up and go.

I will take pauses throughout my praying to tune in to what He imparts to my heart.

I'll also make it a point to listen more intently to Him during the day.  

Waiting expectantly will require some intentionality on my part. It will require I start going at God speed instead of the speed I prefer.

PUT YOUR FOOT ON HIS NECK

Today's reading: Joshua 6-10

"Then Joshua said, Remove the rocks covering the opening of the cave and bring the five kings to me. So they brought the five kings out of the cave--the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachich and Eglon. Joshua told the captains of his army, Come and put your feet on the kings' necks. And they did as they were told. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged, Joshua told his men. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies." Joshua 10:22-25 NLT

This has got to be one of my favorite passages in Scripture!

It's one that abounds with visuals. It is overloaded with grit. It is a virtual word picture in my head as to the strength and courage God desires I live with.

You see, God holds captive every 'king' I have to deal with.

He only allows them to be released from the 'cave' when and if He says.

He allows me to put my dainty little foot on their 'necks' because He has already subdued them, conquered them, captured them and hold them in His power.

I don't know what you need to 'stand on the neck of' today, but know this--if you are His, you can take that stand courageously and surely!

God has already won and He allows His children to ride in the victory parade.

SCOFFING AT HELP

Today's reading: Genesis 4-7

"When Lamech was 182 years old, his son Noah was born. Lamech named his son Noah, for he said, He will bring us relief from the painful labor of farming this ground that the Lord has cursed." Genesis 5:28-29 NLT

Lamech wanted an easier life.

He wanted to be freed of the back-breaking labor involved in making a living out of the dirt.

He wanted to be free from hard work, complete dependence upon the weather and attempting to provide for his family from the ground.

His heartfelt desires were summed up in his naming his son, Noah.

He believed relief would come. He hoped for a time of ease. He desired to be more/have more than he currently was able to muster.

But as we read on in regards to the life and deeds of his son, Lamech didn't choose relief.

He didn't choose to board the ark with Noah.

He didn't accept what God was telling Noah about the end times.

He didn't receive the salvation Noah's God offered.

Lamech's name wasn't mentioned as one of the eight who found refuge and safety from the flood.

Maybe, just maybe, Lamech wasn't still alive at the time of the ark--but maybe he was. Maybe he was one of the loudest scoffers. Maybe he was embarrassed and ashamed of this project his son was up to. Maybe he was too pride filled to accept the 'how' of his son's living up to his name.

I'm not entirely sure why Lamech didn't get on the boat, but he didn't--so he never found relief.

Don't be a Lamech.

 

AS SIMPLE AS BELIEVING

Today's reading: Romans 3-4

"When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him..." Romans 4:18 NLT

Wrinkled and shriveled Abram believed when God told him he would be the father of many nations.

With childless years passing after God's declaration, he believed God.

Glancing at his, just as wrinkled and shriveled, wife, he believed God.

Traveling mile after mile, step after step, he believed God.

Not knowing how in the world it would come to pass, he believed God.

Not completely understanding why he was chosen for such a blessing, he believed God. 

Abraham simply believed what God told him.

Can't we do the same?

DREAMING JOSEPH

Today's reading: Matthew 1-2

"As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph, son of David, the angel said, do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:20 NLT

"After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up and flee to Egypt with the child and his mother, the angel said. Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to try to kill the child." Matthew 2:13 NLT

"When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and told him, Get up and take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead." Matthew 2:19-20 NLT

One might be astounded at the fact that God speaks to humans.

Or at the actuality that He chooses to speak through dreams.

Or that the God in heaven chooses to allow regular, everyday people to participate in His grand plan to save the world.

Me?

I'm amazed at Joseph's obedience.

Sure, it's one thing to have an angel speak to you through your dreams...

It's another thing to know for sure it was God sent...

It's a completely other issue to see that Joseph's obedience was prompt and sure.

No hesitation. No doubting what he 'saw'. No making excuses. No asking for more signs.

He did what was asked of him. Quickly. 

I want to be more like dreaming Joseph!

WHERE I PUT MY TRUST

Today's reading: Isaiah 1-6

"Stop putting your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. How can they be of help to anyone?" Isaiah 2:22 NLT

Yesterday's winter storm has given me pause to consider how much trust and dependence I put upon being able to approach my nearest light switch and turn it on.

Or push the button on my handy-dandy stove to heat up and cook me a frozen pizza.

Or my furnace being able to run and keep my nose-y and my toe-sies nice and toasty.

Because you see, the infrastructure that delivers that wonderful electricity to my home can be compromised--in this instance by layers of ice, broken tree limbs and powerful gusts of wind.

But I also place my precious trust in banking institutions, medical fields and people who are as imperfectly wired as I am.

Why do I do that?

Why do I set myself up for their breach of trust, no matter the reason, and some being at no fault of their own?

They are of no real help to me.

But, God?

But, God!

He is my strength, my help, my foundation, my rock of surety, my fortress and my strong tower.

I can depend upon Him with all I've got--and I'll never, ever, ever, be let down!

 

SCARCELY RECOGNIZE

Today's reading: Job 1-2

"When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him..." Job 2:12 NLT

Job's friends, and I have to think they were close friends (having chosen to come and share in Job's grief), did well to know who Job was.

Was it the anguished look he wore? The tear-stained face? Might it have been the red, swollen eyes? The downcast spirit? The sorrow-torn clothing?

Exactly how far from Job were they when they couldn't recognize him?

You see, we have the same vision problem.

The farther we are from God, the less 'like Him' He looks.

When your Bible time has waned, you see less of Him in your day.

When your time on your knees has been non-existent, He isn't as recognizable.

When we choose to not make time in His presence a priority, others see less of Him in us.

We need to walk closely with the Lord in order to see Him clearly. The subtle, and not so subtle, ways He moves. The miracles, no matter the size, He performs. The comfort He chooses to give us.

We have to be close enough to Him to recognize His love, power, authority and grace!

 

FREE TIME

Today's reading: Psalm 1-2

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers." Psalm 1:1 NLT

I would never...

I wouldn't dare...

Me?..

Not in a million years...

Maybe you take offence to this psalmist's advice not to 'hang out' with unsavory, unwise or ungodly people. You know better.  

But might I ask this one question...

(I'm only asking it because the Lord asked me first.)

Who are you hanging around in your free time? Your down time? When you decompress? When you chill? When you're potato-ing of an evening in your comfiest of clothes?

Is what you view on the television screen honorable?

Is what you scroll through on your laptop edifying?

Is what you read, book or Kindle or iPad, God glorifying?

The 'pals' who influence us aren't limited to the ones we sit at the lunch table with. It's not only the folks we spend Friday nights with. It's not just those in our closest cliques.

Maybe it's time to assess your free time and how you're spending it.

 ACCEPTING GOD'S TERMS

Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"I accept your terms, she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window." Joshua 2:21 NLT

Rahab didn't have many friends.

Well, not the kind we might have.

No gal pals, I would guess. 

But I'm sure while she was waiting for the Israelites to invade Jericho, I'm pretty sure some folks sidled up to her to ask...

What's the rope hanging out of your window for?

It, I'm sure, drew some attention.

I love the idea of that scarlet rope!

I'm a gal who likes visual reminders of God's promises.

Like a string tied around my finger reminding me of something I hope not to forget, she left that red rope dangling down the side of her house.

A promise reminder...

Reminding the spies of their promise.

Reminding the Israelite's God of His.

Reminding her of hers.

Do you have something always in front of you that reminds you of God's promises to you, and your acceptance of His terms?

Your Bible?

A verse written out on an index card?

A bracelet, or necklace, with a cross on it?

Make yourself a visual for the new year. Something that's always within eyesight. Something that points you to the promise made to you, for you and by you. 

Something to help you remember that you've accepted God's terms and believe He will follow through on fulfilling His part of the bargain!

FACT CHECK
Today's reading: Genesis 1-3

"Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?" Genesis 3:1 NLT

I don't know about you, but my enemy never asks me the hard questions.

He doesn't tempt me by asking, What's the practical implications of an atheistic worldview?

Or, Why does the Old Testament God seem so much different from the New Testament God? 

I've never once, in my struggle of faith, been questioned with, Just how do you explain the idea of the Trinity?

Nope.

Maybe it's because I'm too simple minded. Or too unschooled. Or too Bible illiterate to be asked such hard questions.

My enemy tempts me, as he did Eve, with single-word-doubt-placing-inuendos.

Really?

Why?

When?

How?

I struggle with everyday things far too much and too often to be bothered by worldviews, theological debates or matters far too complicated for my mind.

But it's these little questions that lead my mind, and quite possibly yours, on a rabbit trail of doubt, confusion, fear and worry.

To combat these questions?

I fact check with Scripture.

I confer with the Lord.

I pause and ponder in prayer.

I choose to respond not react.

I 'check the return address' on the words being asked of me.

Maybe, just maybe, our world would have been a much, much better place had Eve done the same.

 LOVED TO REPENTANCE

Today's reading: Romans 1-2

"Don't you realize how kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how king he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" Romans 2:4 NLT

"Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience (in withholding His wrath)? Are you (actually) unaware or ignorant (of the fact) that God's kindness leads you to repentance (that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking--seek His purpose for your life)?" Romans 2:4 AMP

As you being to unwrap this brand-spanking new year, consider this...

-All the goodness God allows into your life.

-All the grace He extends to you.

-All the blessings He pours on to you.

-All the joy He permits into your days.

-All the goodness He sends your way.

These are all sent with one intention, one purpose, one goal, one objective, one design--

To turn you from sin and to God.

His love, and the outpouring of it, is meant to lead you to repentance.

Let's allow His love to do just that in this new year!