WHAT YOU'VE EXPERIENCED

Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"...And the Lord replied, I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now stand up! For I have appeared to you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you." Acts 26:15-16 NLT

While we all would consider the Apostle Paul's calling a very special one...

One that reached the world...

One that stirred the hearts and lives of nations...

One that gave us several books in the Holy Bible...

One that allowed the Messiah to be preached to us Gentiles...

His calling is not at all different from ours.

We are all asked to share our experiences and interactions with the Lord with others.

We are to tell the world how He has saved us...

How He has allowed us access into His holy family...

How He has promised us eternity with Him in heaven...

How He has changed us...

How He has spoken to us through His Word...

It's not a difficult task. It's not a task assigned to those wearing suits and standing behind pulpits. It's not a task that was given only to a zealous Pharisee of the strictest order whose life was changed on a dirt road in Damascus--it's do-able and it's our task, too!
 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

    Great and marvelous are your actions, Lord God Almighty.

    Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.

    Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?

    For you alone are holy.

    All nations will come and worship before you, 

    for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Revelation 15:3-4 NLT

Radios blast Christmas carols. Spotify plays Christmas songs for me as I do housework. The song leader led us in Christmas worship music yesterday at church.

'Tis the season to be singing about the Baby in the manger, the Gift of Jesus and the generous nature of God towards humankind.

One doesn't expect to hear a carol in the verses of Revelation, but there it is. A song from Moses about the giving characteristic of our Good Father.

Lyrics speaking of the greatness of our Almighty God.

From Genesis to Revelation, and every book in between, we are reminded of the greatness of our God! 

 

SICK WITH LOVE

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"Make this promise to me, O women of Jerusalem! If you find my beloved one, tell him that I am sick with love." Song of Solomon 5:8 NLT

I've recently watched a movie about a woman whose life was turned upside down by an accident. This accident left her in a condition that left her unable to speak, walk or care for herself.

She went from being independent to entirely dependent upon her caregivers.

If that ever happens to me, would you do something for me?

Would you continue to let the Lord know I love Him...

I trust Him...

I believe in Him...

I consider Him to be my best friend.

Let Him know if I can't.

GLANCING OUT THE WINDOW

Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies!" Psalm 148:1 NLT

This morning as I sit in my prayer chair reading the words of Psalm 148:1, I glance out the window to an eastern sky just awaking for the day.

The outline of a treeline is highlighted in the reds and oranges of what is just starting of this beautiful December day.

Light from dark.

Colors from black.

Morning from night.

Today from yesterday.

Reasons to praise the Lord!

The psalmist must have seen such a morning when he penned these words! 

MY MAIDS AND I

Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die." Esther 4:15-16 NLT

I used to think I wanted a maid.

Now this 'maid talk' is based purely on my 1970's education through television...

Rosie on the Jetson's.

Florence from the Jefferson's.

Alice from the Brady Bunch.

Aunt Bee from Mayberry.

Someone who would have a hot meal on the table, the floors vacuumed and mopped, and my bed sheets crisply starched...with a little fun banter along the way!

But these days, I'm desiring the type of maids that Queen Esther was afforded.

Not those who waited on her hand and foot in the palace of Susa...

Not those who would dress her in her royal gowns...

Not even those who would provide her smallest needs...

I want the kind of maids, sisters in Christ, who will pray for me!

Friends who will take my burdens to the Lord for me, with me and beside me.

You see, I can do the dishes and vacuum--but in regards to prayer, I always need help.

Those are the kind of 'maids' I want in my life today!

ENEMY OCCUPATION
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"When we came here, King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan came out to fight against us, but we defeated them. We took their land and gave it to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh for their inheritance." Deuteronomy 29:7-8 NLT

Oh, my heart!

To think about fighting our enemy so victoriously and completely that we not only receive what God has promised us, but also take what the enemy had possession of and have it for the next generation!

Where might that be for you?

An addiction to break?

A relationship to mend?

A promise to stand on?

Where might you, today, right now, here, as you currently are, stake a claim on enemy occupied land?

Let's determine today to make the enemy foot the bill for the growing of our faith and the legacy of godliness we might leave to those who follow in our footsteps! 

CARE FOR THE LORD'S WORKERS

Today's reading: 3 John

"Dear friend, you are doing a good work for God when you take care of the traveling teachers who are passing through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your friendship and your loving deeds. You do well to send them on their way in a manner that pleases God. For they are traveling for the Lord and accept nothing from those who are not Christians. So we ourselves should support them so that we may become partners with them for the truth." 3 John 5-8 NLT 

I stand in awe of the missionaries that leave home and family to spread the Good News to the uttermost parts of the world.

Their dedication. Their faithfulness. Their courage. Their obedience.

But this time of the year? 

With Christmas trees up, Christmas programs being practiced and presented, Christmas parties being held and Christmas traditions being carried out...families gathering.

And they are a world away. 

They are in touch with family via Zoom or Skype instead of across the dining room table.

They are attempting to find ways to incorporate the Christmas feeling of 'home' on foreign soil.

They are stretched in their faith on these special days.

So it's vital that we support them!

In prayer.

In contact.

In monetary support.

In ways that let them know, we are their partners and they have not been forgotten.

BE ENCOURAGED

Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome." Acts 23:11 NLT

If you read the ten verses prior to today's selected verse, you might not feel as if things had gone so well for Paul.

When he preached he stirred up the masses.

When he spoke of Jesus he angered the politicians.

When he shared the Good News he upset the church leaders.

I'm pretty sure he went to bed that night wondering why in the world God had called him!

But God spoke to his heart. God chose to remind Paul of His calling on his life. God gave Paul encouragement for Paul's next step--Rome.

I pray He do the same for you!

I am asking God to encourage you in what He has asked you to do.

I am asking God to remind you of His grander purpose--especially if current events leave you questioning all you thought you knew to be right and true and God-led.

I am asking God to speak to your heart. To stir up His Spirit in you. To excite you for Him again today.

Be encouraged, friend! 

I'D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting, with a mighty shout, Salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!" Revelation 7:9-10 NLT

I'm a 70's kids.

I remember the Brady Bunch, Reading Rainbow and Little House on the Prairie.

I recall boxes of sugary cereal with toys down deep in the recesses of the crunchy bits, red Kool-Aid and reading to gain pizza coupons.

I even sent a mouse to college by collecting quarters!

But when I read this verse?

When I think about the sight this portion of Scripture describes?

I am taken back to the 'I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing' ads Coca-Cola would play every Christmas of my youth.

People of all colors, heights, widths, nationalities, singing the same song. About peace and cola.

Oh, the thrill of seeing that 'song' sung about Jesus! 

The throne will be a palette of colors. A melting pot of nationalities. A chorus of various languages.

All about Jesus--the Lamb on the throne.

So, to leave you with a little jingle in your head...

I'd like to teach the world to sing

In perfect harmony

I'd like to hold it in my arms

And keep it company

I'd like to see the world for once

All standing hand in hand

And hear them echo through the hills

For peace throughout the land

That's the song I hear

Let the world sing today

A song of peace that it goes on

And never goes away

JESUS'S ARRIVAL

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

I've read this morning about Solomon arriving in his decked out carriage, surrounded by 60 of his soldiers.

The very sight of it made people stop and stare--drop-jawed at the sight.

It had to be a spectacle. It must have been quite a scene. It was something to talk about!

Then I think about Jesus's arrival.

A dirty stable.

An audience of oxen, donkeys and sheep.

A jumble of fabric strips used to swaddle lambs.

A very, young scared mother delivering her first child.

An anxious father whose hands were too calloused to hold such a small gift.

Quite a spectacle, in its own right.

One to be talked about by angels, shepherds, stars and wise men...

And by us.

Jesus's arrival has given us plenty to share with others--the excitement, the wonder, the graciousness, the love, the peace, the joy, the awe...the Savior of the world!

 

GOD'S OPEN HAND

Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"When You open Your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing." Psalm 145:16 NLT

Do you fully grasp the graciousness of God?

The bounty He allows to pour from His hand?

The all encompassing nature of His generosity towards us?

If you do...

If you truly do...

...you will spend more time giving thanks than asking for anything!

PROFANING THE SABBATH

Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"So I confronted the leaders of Judah, Why are you profaning the Sabbath in this evil way?" Nehemiah 13:17 NLT

Nehemiah had a tough calling on his life.

He was asked by God to participate in restoring God worship in the Temple and in the hearts of God's people who had been exiled over 70 years.

He, with God's leading, was 'righting the ship'.

He reminded them of God's laws.

He pointed out where they had allowed enemy practices into their lives.

He questioned their motives.

Then?

Then, he turned their attention to the issue of the Sabbath.

God's day.

A day set aside to honor, glorify and rest in the Lord.

A day that if carried out to the Lord's specifications, would bless and nourish God's people.

The problem was, they had allowed the Sabbath to become 'just another day'.

Just another day to shop. Just another day to work. Just another day to do anything they wanted to do.

God had been forgotten. He had been pushed aside. He had been disregarded. He had been ignored. His commands had been disobeyed. 

His day had been profaned--which means to treat something sacred as if it is not. Or to take all the reverence away from something special.

So I must ask you, because I've asked myself, What have you done with the Sabbath?

 

REASONS FOR CURSES
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and laws I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you:..The Lord will cause you to be defeated by your enemies. You will attack your enemies from one direction, but you will scatter from them in seven.." Deuteronomy 28:15, 25 NLT 

What's going on in your life?

Go ahead, I'll wait while you take a quick inventory--

How are things going for you?

Let me re-word that question...

If things aren't going well for you, is it because God is growing you, stretching some spiritual muscles you are going to be needing in the near future--or are you bringing a few curses upon yourself due to disobeying the Lord?

A quick list I've asked myself...

What am I refusing to do for the Lord?  A nudge? A command? An opportunity?

Where am I not handing Him the reins?

Where am I digging my heels in the sand and refusing to budge?

Who am I refusing to forgive because they haven't acted forgive-able?

What doesn't look like what I had in my mind so I'm waiting until it does?

What am I not liking because I cannot control it?

In a whole lot of instances, we are our worst enemy, we cause the biggest problems we have and we shut the door on God's abundant blessings because of our disobedience.

Hmmm, lots to think about! 

BE DILIGENT
Today's reading: 2 John

"Watch out, so that you do not lose the prize for which we have been working so hard. Be diligent so that you will receive your full reward." 2 John 8 NLT

How determined are you to live for Christ?

Are there Christian disciplines that you do every day, before anything else is done? Bible reading, prayer, study?

Is there a special time you have carved out of your 24 hours every day to spend just you and the Lord? Morning, lunch hour, while kids nap, evening?

Is there a day, each week, you have set aside to worship Him, pause and reflect on His greatness, gather with other believers? Sunday for most, but some of us work Sundays, so we can determine another day as His.

Be diligent in your desire to draw closer to the Lord. Don't waver in your determination to keep God center, upfront and most important.

I don't want to see you lose out on the prize that faithfulness can provide!

 

ASSUMPTIONS

Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"(For earlier that day they had seen him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple.)" Acts 21:29 NLT

Paul, the deliverer of the Good News...

Paul, the minister of Peace...

Paul, the beloved, fiery preacher...

Had assumptions waged against him.

Yes, even Paul!

Ever had someone assume wrongly of you? It hurts. It stings. It breaks trust.

Ever assumed wrongly of someone? It hurts. It stings. It breaks trust.

How about, Christian friends, if instead of jumping to conclusions, we assume the best of someone?

Instead of listening to gossip shared, we stop it in its tracks.

Instead of believing the single still-shot of what we see, we realize there is usually more to the story.

Instead of assuming guilt, we pray.

Yes, instead of making assumptions, we make prayer requests to the Lord on behalf of the one we're starting to doubt.

Do people do wrong things--they do! Do sins occur--they do! 

Do I think we should excuse all we see--I do not, but I do believe we need to do more investigation than judging.

We must be careful of our assumptions!

THIS COMPLAINT

Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"But I have this one complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!" Revelation 2:4 NLT

It's got to be God! Really and truly--it's got to be God!

In His gracious favor. In His loving kindness. In His mercy. Exhibiting some of His immense patience.

Because I'd never noticed 'it' before.

Oh, I've read it at least once every year for 24 years. I've heard SO many sermons preached on it. I've even spent a year with BSF studying the book of Revelation.

But to have it shown to me this morning, is a gift.

You see, the verse says...'You don't love me or each other as you did at first!'

I've always heard about a waning love for God. I've been taught our love for God should only grow stronger and stronger. I've even  heard pastors tssk-tssk the church at Ephesus for allowing other things to come between them and the Lord.

But what I noticed this morning is that not only is God's complaint against the church for their watered-down love for Him--but also for each other.

Had you noticed that before?

Have you considered how you love others--in comparison to how you loved them when you first believed in Christ as your Savior?

Are you sharing the Good News like you did then?

Are you desiring that they know the Good Shepherd like you once did?

Are you as excited to share the Hope you've found as you once were?

I think I can answer for all of us--No.

We tolerate people, most days. We consider others, sometimes. We ask a quick prayer for God to bless them, when asked to do so.

But do we love each other like we used to?

Might that be the complaint God has against us?

  

SO EVERYONE CAN SEE

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"He brings me to the banquet hall, so everyone can see how much he loves me." Song of Solomon 2:4 NLT

This single verse touches my heart every single time I read through Solomon's songs.

If every single day, I would consider the fact that God brought me into this world...

At this particular time...

In the location He has me in...

To be seen by the people I am in contact with...

In order that THEY may see how very much He loves me.

Can I say? GAME CHANGER!

Doesn't that put a spin on any and all 'inconveniences' you encounter?

Doesn't that make you reconsider the 'audience' you stand before?

Doesn't that completely turn your thoughts off of you--and on to the people He desires to show off in front of?

And the reason?

The reason is that He desperately desires them to want what you have with your Savior!

Let the world see how very loved you are by your Lord--every where you go!

 

MY FRIEND

Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my problems." Psalm 142:1-2 NLT 

A near and dear friend lets you vent.

Let's you spill your guts.

Let's you vomit emotions.

And still loves you.

Is not appalled by you.

Does not leave you.

That's what God is to me!

I have told Him some of the worst things, most hateful thoughts and sorriest emotions--and He remains close by me.

Nothing I've brought to His feet has He scoffed at, ridiculed me for or laughed at me!

His jaw has not dropped in utter disbelief of my sins.

He is my Friend.

GOD IS IN THE DETAILS

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

I won't list all the names mentioned in Nehemiah 7, but there are a bunch!

And I'll admit to you, reading a list of names, biblical names to boot, at 5:00am is difficult to say the least.

But here is what I want you to know about this chapter--and other chapters like it throughout the Bible...

God is in the details.

He ordained that each and every individual's name be listed.

He was fully and entirely aware of their being.

He determined that their names be mentioned--when in history, where in the Scriptures, for what they did/didn't do.

He desired that we know these people.

Because He is in the details.

Of their lives.

And...

Of your life.

Reminders like this should stop us in our tracks...

Cause us to stand quietly in awe...

Force us to exhale all the stresses we have been storing up in our hearts and lungs...

Give us reason to sing His praises...

He created every detail. He has been in every detail. He is in every detail. He will be in every detail.

We cannot forget that!

DISHONEST SCALES

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"Those who cheat with dishonest weights and measures are detestable to the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 25:16 NLT

We come to a portion of Scripture where verse upon verse is given to us in regards to how the Israelites were to live.

Hygienic instructions.

Social manners.

Temple and sacrifice rules.

Parenting tips. 

Judicial matters.

And dishonest scales.

Scales? Amidst all this 'important' stuff?

Honestly, I love the fact that God included each and every facet of living in His instructions to His people--and to us!

In all that we do, acknowledge Him.

The big stuff--society, worship and home. And when we go to the market!

It all matters to the Lord. It all adds 'weight' to our witness for Him.

Weigh honestly. In your dealing with others, in your judging of others, in your offering to others.

It's God's instruction--and it honors Him. 

CATCH A GLIMPSE

Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:12 NLT

How might you show the love of Christ to someone today?

Where might you be today that could use a little of Jesus's light brought into the room?

Who could you love as Jesus loves today?

Why wouldn't you share a little of Him, because He has done so much for you?

If nothing else happens this Christmas season, I pray I can love others.

I pray that He will be seen in my words, actions and intentions.

I pray that I look for opportunities to share the love of Christ.

I ask that He enable me to love the 'least of these' and those who aren't as lovable.

Oh, it's not a gift I am giving to myself. Or to them.

It's how I can honor God--my Christmas present to Him!

A GREAT REVIVAL

Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices." Acts 19:17-18 NLT

These two verses tell us what happens when a few people get excited about God.

Lives change.

Conversations are altered.

Choices are modified.

Sins are no longer tolerated, accepted or ignored.

News spreads.

Others begin to notice.

And before you know it, an entire city is different.

We call it revival.

Might it start with you?

 

WEARYING THE LORD

Today's reading: Malachi

"You have wearied the Lord with your words..." Malachi 2:17 NLT

While Malachi was written to the priests of Israel, in regards to their neglectful worship--might his words also apply to us today?

The prophet told the people that they were 'flat wearing out the Lord' with their words.

The vows they took.

The promises the made.

The oaths they spoke.

The words wore God out, because He saw no follow through!

He saw their lips moving, heard the words they spoke, but saw little to no action.

It's surely made me think.

I can say all the right things...

I can quote the Bible verses...

I can testify...

But am I doing what I say I will do?

Am I following the Lord's commands?

Am I  honoring Him with my actions--or merely wearying Him with my words?