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!