DON'T YOU REMEMBER

Today's reading: Matthew 14-16

"...Don't you remember the five thousand I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of food that were left over? Don't you remember the four thousand fed with seven loaves, with baskets of food left over?" Matthew 16:9-10 NLT

Maybe your prayer time is spent pleading with God about a need you have. A heartfelt request you're making of Him. An area of your life, or in the life of a loved one, where you really need to see Him step in and do a great work.

Could it be, these same requests are teetering on the edge of being frantic?

Might these needs be making you a little anxious, a whole lot impatient and becoming burdensome as you wrangle them under the neat title of 'prayer request' and not the huge worries they are becoming?

Let me quote Jesus...

Don't you remember?

Recall all the answers He has provided in the past!

Remember the many times He came through for you!

Don't forget how good He has been to you all your life!

And if you are struggling to concentrate on what He has done in your life, open the pages of your Bible. There are page after page of examples of His greatness, sovereignty and provision provided for us to read over and learn from.

Don't forget the miracles He has done as you wait for Him to do another!

WHAT'S YOUR WORSHIP AMOUNTING TO?

Today's reading: Isaiah 29-33

"And so the Lord says, These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote." Isaiah 29:13 NLT

What's your worship say about you?

That's the question the Lord asked me as I sat with this verse this morning in my quiet time.

To be honest, there are days that my worship amounts to merely checking a box.

Other times, my worship amounts to doing it because it's Sunday.

Still other opportunities find my worship amounting to nothing--nothing, at all.

Singing songs I don't like. Reading verses I don't understand. Praying prayers that are more grocery list than an appeal to the Most High God. Attending services to be seen as holy, not to appear before the Holy One.

Too often my worship is nothing more than ritual ingrained into my routine.

That's not how God desires we worship Him...

That's not the kind of worship He deserves...

That's not what He ever intended our worship to look like...

Worship is personally moving. Worship is intended to utilize each of our senses. Worship is designed to fill us to overflowing. Worship is the response of awe, love, excitement and trust we have in God.

Our private worship impacts our corporate worship.

What's your worship saying about you?

WHEN HE CLOSES IN

Today's reading: Job 11-12

"...When he closes in on someone, there is no escape." Job 12:14 NLT

I can't begin to guess who might be on your prayer list.

Sons. Daughters. Parents. Grandchildren. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors.

Some have 'made the list' because of health issues, financial needs or maybe huge decisions they are being forced to make.

I hope some are on your list who need the Lord.

Someone who needs salvation for the first time...

Another who might need strengthening in their Christian walk...

One who has turned their back on the Lord...

Prodigals who are in the far country...

Job's words should be an encouragement to us as we speak each and every name on those lists.

You see, when we ask God to step into the circumstances, situations and lives of loved ones--He will!

He wants them saved even more than we do...

He desires that they come back to Him even more than we do...

He desires that they see Him in their situations and bring Him glory, even more than we do...

He wants them to seek Him, even in the far country, even more than we do...

So keep speaking their names to Him. Continue to ask that He be 'all up in their business'. Request that He close in on them in a way only He can.

Because when He does, they cannot escape!

FILLED WITH SORROW

Today's reading: Psalm 15-17

"Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow..." Psalm 16:4 NLT

I know a gal, rather personally to be honest, that has chased after other gods--and it didn't end well for her.

She, metaphorically speaking, laced up her running shoes, and pursued these idols with all she had.

Time.

Effort.

Blood.

Sweat.

Tears.

Money.

Dedication.

And she caught up with them. Had them in her possession. Was known by her association with them. Allowed them to label her, consume her--suck the life out of her.

Because you see, gods, even the littlest of them, are life-stealers, not life-givers!

 

 IRON CHARIOTS

Today's reading: Judges 1-6

"The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains because the people there had iron chariots." Judges 1:19 NLT

Do you know what an 'excuse' is? 

In Christian terms, an excuse is an attempt to justify, defend or lessen blame for a fault, sinful action, or inaction, often serving as a deceptive cover-up to avoid accountability before God.

An example of an excuse, taken directly from the pages of our Scripture reading for today...Judah not taking possession of ALL the land God had given them based on the fact that the people living there had iron chariots.

Can we agree, that in that day and time, iron chariots would have been literal war machines? 

The fact that these Judah inhabitants had horses, metal and skill would have certainly been fear inducing against wandering slaves-turned-nomads.

So where's the excuse?

The excuse is that the Israelites had God--and didn't use Him against the chariots, the charioteers or their fears!

The excuse was they believed their enemy to be more powerful than their Lord!

The excuse was that, on their own, they couldn't defeat the enemy--so they didn't even try!

They crossed their arms, sat down in the sand, lowered their heads and pointed at the chariots.

Defeated. Disobedient to the Lord's commands. Discouraged. Destined for constant turmoil from their 'neighbors'. 

What about you?

Have excuses you're presenting to the Lord? Does your enemy have 'iron chariots' he is flaunting? Are you forgetting what He has said, what He has done, what He has promised and what He has asked of you?

Maybe, just maybe your enemy has 'iron chariots', but friend--You have God!

 HOW DOES GOD KNOW?

Today's reading: Genesis 20-23

"Lay down the knife, the angel said. Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me." Genesis 22:12 NLT

We can say the Lord is our God.

We can sing the hymns and praise songs to the tops of our lungs.

We can serve in each and every ministry opportunity presented to us.

We can attend church faithfully.

We can know the Bible from Genesis to the maps.

We can own all the Christian t-shirts.

But what's been our 'Abraham moment'?

What is that 'thing' we have given to the Lord that let's Him know we truly and wholeheartedly fear and love Him?

What have we turned over to Him for safe keeping?

What are we trusting Him with--even and especially when we don't see any hope?

Which of our most loved ones have we entrusted on to His altar for His will to be done in their lives, and in ours?

WANTING WHAT I HAVE

Today's reading: Romans 11-12

"I am saying all of this especially for you Gentiles, God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I lay great stress on this, for I want to find a way to make the Jews want what you Gentiles have, and in that way I might save some of them." Romans 11:13-14 NLT

I'm not a Bible scholar, by a long shot--but could it be...

These two verses sum up our goal/purpose/challenge/charge in regards to evangelism?

To live lives that make others want what we have--

To want the Jesus who has saved us.

To desire the Holy Spirit who guides us.

To seek out the God of our hearts, minds and souls.

Friends, if we aren't living in such a way that on occasion we're hearing, I want what you have, are we living as God ordained?

Is our hope evident? Is our peace obvious? Is our love noticeable? Is our servant heart apparent? Is godliness seen? Is humility observed? Is meekness visible? Is forgiveness conspicuous in our relationships?

Are we living godly lives in a way that make others want what we have?

 

FOR OR AGAINST

Today's reading: Matthew 11-13

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." Matthew 12:30 NLT

Maybe you've grown weary of your pastor asking for volunteers. 

Maybe you're tired of your church bulletin being stuffed with forms requesting you sign up to help with the children's programs or upcoming ministry opportunities.

Maybe you're fed up with the constant stream of well-meaning folks in your church asking if you would consider participating in this outreach or that.

Maybe, if that's you, maybe this very verse is for you.

Now before you write me off as just another one of the 'church folk' wanting you to donate time and energy, let me put the verse before you in a different light--or color...

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."

My Bible, and there's a good likelihood yours, too, has this verse printed in red. That color change indicates words spoken by Jesus.

By Jesus.

Not the volunteer committee.

Not the children's church director.

Not the head of the community outreach team.

Those words are spoken by Jesus.

So, read them again...and ask yourself this question--Are you for Him or against Him?

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."-Jesus

 

THE EARTH SUFFERS

Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28

"The earth suffers for the sins of the people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated his laws, and broken his everlasting covenant." Isaiah 24:5 NLT

Have you seen the earth suffering?

Maybe you've caught a glimpse of, read an article about, or heard spouted on the news one, or many, of these 'earth struggles'...

Forest fires.

Acid rain.

Melting glaciers.

Animal species becoming endangered, then extinct.

Global warming.

Increased tornadoes.

Droughts.

Flooding.

Whether you believe these occurrences, or not...

Whether these things are happening where you live, or not... 

Whether we can trust the scientific elite, or not...

I think we'll all agree that the earth is groaning with the weight of our sins. 

How can it not? 

When the Creator of all, including us, is disregarded, demeaned, discounted and dismissed--all earth, including us, will suffer for it. 

MONDAY REMINDER

Today's reading: Job 9-10

"You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. You have me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care." Job 10:10-12 NLT

It seems to me that a Monday morning is the perfect time for a mental reset. A personal inventory. A spiritual about-face.

Monday is a good day to live out what I've heard on Sunday and attempt to do-over what I messed up last week.

Job's words are perfectly placed in my eyesight this morning for such a mission.

His words are a great reminder of just who I am because of God.

These three verses, though spoken in pain and anguish, advise me of my role as created. Merely, but lovingly, created.

Job's words prompt me to place the appropriate praise at God's feet.

His statement suggests that who I am pales in comparison to who He is.

His emotion emphasizes to me the honor, glory and awe I owe Him--today and every day.

Did you need that Monday reminder? Did you need a prompting as to how big our God is?

 

BUT 

Today's reading: Psalm 12-14

"Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, We have defeated him! Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me." Psalm 13:5 NLT

The word, 'but', is pivotal.

The word, 'but', changes the course of ideas and thoughts. 

The word, 'but', proves our level of faith.

How, you ask?

I don't understand the things going on in this world...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

I don't know how things will work out...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

I don't know what You're going to do with this mess I've made...but I trust in Your unfailing love.

Do you see where the word, 'but', links the truth of how you might feel with the dependence upon His sovereignty? That's faith!

The word, 'but', says I'm choosing to stay close to God because I want to see His majesty at work. That's faith!

Where do you need to insert 'but' into your vocabulary?

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

Today's reading: Joshua 21-24

"Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, You have done as Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you, and you have obeyed every order I have given you. You have not deserted the other tribes, even though the campaign has lasted for such a long time. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God up to the present day. And now the Lord your God has given the other tribes rest, as he promised them. So go home now to the land Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you on the east side of the Jordan River. But be very careful to obey all the commands and the law that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, be faithful to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:1-5 NLT

Bible scholars say the time frame of this long campaign to secure the Promised Land took anywhere from seven to ten years.

That's 7-10 years that the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh worked, and fought, alongside their fellow tribesmen to get them settled into their new land--before these 2-1/2 tribes got to settle in and live on their own land on the east side of the Jordan.

That's a long time to follow orders, do what's commanded, trust in God's promise and help others to capture every blessing God intended for them.

Just what does one do after such a long time of walking that closely to the Lord?

You keep walking with Him!

Joshua told them not to stop doing what they'd been doing when they went home.

He reminded them to continue following the Lord, heart and soul.

He instructed them to keep the love for the Lord their God burning within them.

You see, being God's child isn't a seasonal thing.

There is no retiring from it, no taking a vacation from it, no setting it aside to pursue other interests.

Being a follower of God is a lifetime of service!

 

SUPPOSE ONLY TEN ARE FOUND

Today's reading: Genesis 16-19

"Finally, Abraham said, Lord, please do not get angry; I will speak but once more! Suppose only ten are found there? And the Lord said, Then, for the sake of the ten, I will not destroy it." Genesis 18:32 NLT

This portion of Scripture has us listening in on a conversation between Abraham and the three men God sent to survey the situation of Sodom and Gomorrah.

It's unknown how many people lived among the two cities, but it is recorded in history that they were significant trade centers.

To think, out of a city of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, there weren't ten godly people found.

Ten.

Ten?

Maybe, just maybe, as you watch the world, you may be wondering the exact same thing...Are there any godly people left in the world?

The answer is yes. There are godly men and women around you.

How might you find them? 

Here are 3 simple suggestions...

1. Turn off the news. They show you what they want you to see.

2. Get involved in your church. You'll find other believers inside its walls.

3. Be one of the godly. Live out what the Bible says. 

Not even ten godly people were found in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, so they were destroyed. Their demise is a lesson for us as to the importance of living righteously in our communities, churches and homes.

 

 THOSE I LOVE

Today's reading: Romans 9-10

"My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed--cut off from Christ--if that would save them." Romans 9:2-3 NLT

Lord,

I read Paul's words.

I sense the passion and heartfelt desire he has for his brothers and sisters to come to know you as Lord and Savior.

I truly believe his words reflect the depths of his love for them.

I want that.

I want my loved ones and friends to know Christ so badly that my life is changed!

I want the boldness to speak.

I want the leading to do what it is that will point their hearts and eyes to You.

I want the patience to wait for You to do the part of the work that only You can do.

I want the passion that keeps me telling, praying, loving and waiting.

I want them to know You to the extent I would, if needed, give up my place in heaven just so they can have one.

Would you give me that desire?

Would you stir my heart to that degree?

Would you well up inside me to the extent that You spill out of every word said, every deed done and every attempt made to tell them about You?

WHAT TO DO WITH JESUS

Today's reading: Matthew 8-10

"The entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone." Matthew 8:34 NLT

Jesus had just performed the miracle of casting demons out of two men, and people took notice.

They wondered about Him.

They wanted to see Him.

They desired to know a little about Him.

They considered it important that they be known as having been in His presence.

But they didn't want what He offered. Not the stuff that might require a change in how they lived, at least.

They were drawn to the popularity, the excitement, the miracles He could perform--but they wanted nothing to do with the salvation and life change that He could provide them.

They were comfortable where they were. They were content having what they had. They were complacent to the life they were living.

What about you?

What are you doing with Jesus?

Has He won the popularity contest--or has He won your heart? 

TAKING HIM SERIOUSLY

Today's reading: Isaiah 18-22

"The Lord, the Lord Almighty, called you to weep and mourn. He told you to shave your heads in sorrow for your sins and to wear clothes of sackcloth to show your remorse. But instead, you dance and play, you slaughter sacrificial animals, feast on meat and drink wine..." Isaiah 22:12-13 NLT

Isaiah was called to prophesy to the people about impending judgement for their sins.

He proclaimed the word of the Lord to the very people God was wanting to save from his own judgement.

But few took his words seriously.

What about us?

Do we take the Word of God seriously?

Seriously enough to change our behavior? To change our lifestyles? To change what we say? To change how we live?

God is serious about how He desires us to walk, talk and share Him with others.

He is serious about the end times coming. He is serious about the consequences of sin. He is serious about the heat of hell.

Are you taking Him seriously?

 LEAVE ME ALONE

Today's reading: Job 7-8

"Why won't you leave me alone--even for a moment?" Job 7:19 NLT

Oh, Job...

I cannot imagine your hurt.

Your grief.

Your pain.

Your emotions.

To have had it all, and lost it. 

I cannot begin to commiserate with your loss.

In all I've read that you said...

This single question leaves me most baffled.

What made you ask it?

What made you mutter the words?

What hurt spoke on your behalf when you made this statement?

Because you know He won't--leave you alone.

You know He can't--it's not in His character.

You know He shouldn't--we're not capable of doing this life on our own.

You know He won't--we're His prized possessions.

I'm glad, and I'm ever so sure you are, too, God didn't choose to leave you alone to finish out the chapters in your story. 

FILLED WITH JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 9-11

"I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:2 NLT

Some of us, me included, have fallen prey to the idea that 'joy' has anything at all to do with outside circumstances, emotions or our plans coming to fruition.

Joy, true joy, has nothing to do with us--and all to do with God!

Joy is the internal gladness that transcends changing circumstances.

Joy is the 'ok of the heart' when the world boils and shifts.

Joy is the 'calm' amidst life's tumultuous waves.

Joy is the 'blessed assurance' that no matter what--God.

Take a moment this Lord's Day and recalculate your definition of joy, what you are depending upon to give it to you and gaining a deeper understanding of it.

We are filled with joy because of Him! 

SURROUNDED

Today's reading: Joshua 16-20

"The second allotment of land went to the families of the tribe of Simeon. Their inheritance was surrounded by Judah's territory...This was the inheritance of the families of the tribe of Simeon. Their inheritance came from part of what had been given to Judah because Judah's territory was too large for them. So the tribe of Simeon received an inheritance within the territory of Judah." Joshua 19:1-9 NLT

Here we find ourselves at the specific point in time when parcels of the Promised Land were being allotted to the tribes of Israel.

They had endured. They had wandered. They had trusted. They had collected manna and quail. They had seen the glory of the Lord for 40 years--and now they were standing on the border of what all God had promised.

And the tribes of Judah and Simeon?

Well, their 'blessings' were what we might refer to as overlapping.

Judah had been given more than they needed, could handle, would steward--and Simeon caught the overflow.

Friend, we are in one of two camps--and the camp we're in varies with each stage of our life, the choices we make and how honest we are with ourselves...

We are either sharing our abundance from the Lord with another--or we are on the receiving end of their surplus.

Aren't we?

Haven't you had moments in your life when another's blessings spilled over onto you? Their generosity touched your life. They included you in a handout from the Lord. The Lord's blessing on their life reached out and touched yours.

Surely you've shared a blessing? Given out of an abundance. Passed out what was more than you needed. Shared from a bulging wagon of blessings.

Which camp are you in today?

AND ABRAM BELIEVED THE LORD

Today's reading: Genesis 12-15

"And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:6 NLT

God didn't declare Abram righteous because Abram did some great act.

Or because he built a great monument to the Lord.

Or because he obeyed all the Lord told him to the T.

God declared Abram righteous, right with Him, because Abram believed what God said.

Abram believed every word.

EVERY. SINGLE. WORD.

Are you desiring to be righteous? 

Believe God.

Believe what the Bible says about Him.

Believe what the Scriptures tell us He promises to us.

Believe what God has told us He will do in, through, around, with and for us.

Believe God. 

 ROTTEN THROUGH AND THROUGH

Today's reading: Romans 7-8

"I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't." Romans 7:18 NLT

Brother Paul, I just want you to know how very much I appreciate your candor, your honesty and your truth telling.

Not just in this letter to the Romans, but in all your writings you have done so much for me--and the Church at large.

But I have to tell you, when you talk about being 'rotten through and through', might I humbly say--you don't know what rotten is!

I understand the battle that rages between wanting to and can't. I grasp the warring tensions between sinful nature and a heart and mind that want to serve God completely.

I am fully aware of the vast distance between the grandest of my intentions and the accounting of deeds at the end of my day.

I read verse after verse of your testimony, how you allowed God to use you to reach the masses--to impact the future. I see how your words written decades ago are still used by the Holy Spirit to change hearts and lives. I have memorized good portions of the words you penned through inspiration of the Lord. I study portions of Scripture where you evangelized large groups of people.

I stand in awe of you...and in doing so become utterly convicted of my personal 'rottenness!

You see, I won't cross the street to my neighbor's house. I won't take the stand in the marketplace and proclaim our Lord. I won't tell myself 'no' long enough to say 'yes' to Jesus. I won't deny myself. I won't completely kick 'the old man' out.

You see, Brother Paul, if 'rotten-er' is a word, I would have to apply it to myself.

But, praise God, I still have the desire to be more like my Jesus! I feel the conviction that stirs me from my creature comfort to being one that comforts others. I enjoy the thrill of the Holy Spirit stirring me to do, be, rest in Him.

So, rotten or not, I am taking your words to heart that there is still hope for me!

Thanks, Paul.

MAY YOUR NAME BE HONORED

Today's reading: Matthew 5-7

"Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored." Matthew 6:9 NLT

We know the prayer.

We've repeated the prayer with others in church services.

We've probably received points or prizes as children when we could recite it from memory.

But when we pray it...

When we truly, from the heart pray it...

Do we realize what we're asking in the very first sentence?

Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored.

May Your name be honored in what I'm about to pray.

May Your name be honored in what I'm asking You to do.

May Your name be honored in my waiting to see You do what only You can do.

May Your name be honored as I interact with the world.

May Your name be honored in my responses and reactions.

May Your name be honored in regards to the changes You are desiring to make in my heart and life.

May Your name be honored when You tell me 'no' or 'not now'.

What we're saying when we pray this very first line of this model prayer is simply this...

Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored. Period.

 

DRINKING DEEPLY

Today's reading: Isaiah 12-17

"With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!" Isaiah 12:3 NLT

You cannot believe how heavily this verse landed on my heart this morning.

Am I saved? Yes, I am.

Do I have the joy of the Lord? Yes, I do.

Do I choose to drink deeply, and joyfully, from the fountain of my salvation? 

Thud. 

No, I cannot say that I do.

I sip.

I drink.

I partake.

But seldom do I drink deeply from the fountain of my salvation.

Am I afraid of draining it dry? Impossible!

Am I scared of looking less than lady-like? It bothers me little in other areas of my life!

Am I worried about what others will say or think? There in lies the problem.

Might folks think I am enjoying my salvation way too much? Is that possible?

Will someone believe I don't take it seriously enough? Can anyone know, truly know, the depths of our relationship with the Lord?

Could another believer question my gratitude for being saved to the uttermost because I choose to gulp down each and every blessing He affords me through the gift of eternity? Would, in that instance, it be a matter of them questioning it--or being jealous of it?

What keeps me from drinking deeply from the fountain of my salvation is me. My head gets in the way. My thoughts are too many--and too shallow. My audience is those standing before me, not the One I stand before.

Today I am going to begin drinking deeply. I am going to chug down every swallow of joy my salvation affords me. I am going to gulp wildly the fullness being a child of the Most High God affords me.

Care to join me for a drink

GO TO GOD

Today's reading: Job 5-6

"My advice for you is this: Go to God and present your case to him." Job 5:8 NLT

Job's friends aren't well know for good advice.

As a matter of fact, Job would have done better off mentally, emotionally and spiritually had his friends kept the majority of their words to themselves.

But Eliphaz, the first of the friends to speak, had a very good idea early on in his monologue...

Go to God.

Had he stopped there, his reviews might have been more gleaming.

Go to God.

That's the best advice.

That's timeless advice.

That's good advice--in every situation.

When you don't like what's going on--Go to God.

When you don't understand what's going on --Go to God.

When you don't see anything going on--Go to God.

When you are mad--Go to God.

When you are sad--Go to God.

When you are happy--Go to God.

When you are hurting--Go to God.

When you don't really know how you feel, when you can't put a pin on it--Go to God.

When you think what you have to say is too raw, too messy, too real and too unedited to take to the Lord--Go to God!

Try it today--in each and every situation you find yourself in, Go to God.

STATEMENT OF FACT

Today's reading: Psalm 6-8

"The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer." Psalm 6:9 NLT

I don't know if your enemy has already found you this morning--if he hasn't, he probably will.

You'll know him by the words he uses...

You'll never...

Remember what you did...

Just look at the mess you've made...

Things will never change...

Why would a good God ever care about your needs...

Might I ask you to do something?

It's something that's a little harsh. Something a little hard-nosed. Something that in some circles will not be considered lady-like or appropriate.

Tell your enemy to SHUT UP.

Better yet, if you don't like using words like that--repeat to him the words of this verse:

'The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.'

Say it out loud--for the enemy's sake.

Say it often--for your sake.

Say it over and over--for the sake of those who might need to hear it.

When your enemy starts in on his banter, speak words of Scripture louder. Speak the truth that counteracts his lies. Speak up as to what your Lord has told you!

FOR A LONG TIME
Today's reading: Joshua 11-15

"So Joshua conquered the entire region--the hill country, the Negev, the land of Goshen, the western foothills, the Jordan Valley and the mountains and lowlands of Israel. The Israelite territory now extended all the way from Mount Halak, which leads up to Seir, to Baal-gad at the foot of Mount Hermon in the valley of Lebanon. Joshua killed all the kings of those territories, waging war for a long time to accomplish this." Joshua 11:16-18 NLT

I can't be the only one who gets a little frustrated that my prayers aren't answered at the close of my 'Amen'.

I mean, I know God can.

I also know God is able to.

I also know that in several of my requests, what I'm asking is entirely inside God's will for me--and for those I'm asking for.

Like Joshua.

God brought Joshua and the Israelites to the Promised Land--but their work wasn't over.

For, what the Scripture reading tells us, a long time, they waged war to take ownership of what God had already given them.

They didn't step foot across the Jordan and VOILA, the land was theirs.

It took blood. It took sweat. It took tears. It took effort. It took continued obedience. It took daily faith. It took hand to hand combat. It took leaning harder on the Lord for the victories than it ever took for the walk through the wilderness.

Maybe you needed that reminder. I did.

I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep believing. I'm going to keep trusting the Lord's timing. I'm going to keep obeying God's commands, His leadings and His urgings. I'm going to stick it out until I see Him answers--or until He changes what I'm asking for!

However long it might take.

 

UNITY COMES FROM GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 8-11

"...Come, they said, let's make great piles of burnt brick and collect natural asphalt to use as mortar. Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies--a monument to our greatness! This will bring us together and keep us from scattering all over the world." Genesis 11:3-4 NLT

A hypothetical question for you this morning:

How's it working for us? The building monuments to OUR greatness...The attempt to keep us from scattering?

Would you agree with me--not well.

The more we applaud ourselves, the farther apart we live socially.

The more loudly we tout ourselves as being great, the more distant we become in this small world.

Unity comes from God.

Only He can bring people together. Nations together. Races together. Cultures together. Hearts together.

Only when He is our focus, our hope, our priority, will the lives we live impact other lives with the greatness of our Lord.

It's an old adage, but it's one that bears repeating...It's not about us!

NO LONGER SLAVES TO SIN
Today's reading: Romans 5-6

"Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin." Romans 6:6 NLT

Do you know Christ as your personal Savior?

Have you received Jesus's gift of salvation through prayer and repentance?

Have you invited God into your heart as Lord and King?

If you do...

If you have...

If you did...

Sin no longer rules over you!

You are no longer held captive by the chains of the enemy!

What wrong you did, no matter how many times you did it, doesn't have control over you any more!

The sins you asked Jesus to forgive you of, those exact sins have been taken to the cross with Him.

In His book, they no longer exist.

In His mind, you are no longer a sinner.

In faith, you are no longer controlled by sin.

The chains have been broken, the shackles loosed, the prison doors flung open wide--you are no longer a slave to your sins!

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

John was right.

Turning away from sin and to God is the first step of our Christian journey.

Then...

Then and only then...

Because of that turning...

In response to all the grace He extends us...

As a right response...

Then we should make attending church a priority.

Participate in any and all Christian disciplines.

Join the Bible studies.

Involve yourself in service to our Lord.

The first, the most important step, is turning away from sin and to our Lord. 

Have you done that?

Can you say you are His and He is your Lord?

If you have--THEN deepen that relationship by involving yourself fully and entirely in soaking more and more of Him into your heart, head and life!

BUT THIS IS WHAT THE SOVEREIGN LORD SAYS

Today's reading: Isaiah 7-11

"But this is what the Sovereign Lord says:.." Isaiah 7:7 NLT

Verses 1-6 of Isaiah 7 tell us of news and threats that were coming to the royal court in regards to the enemy.

At this time, God raised up Isaiah, to deliver a message to the king, who was quaking in his boots.

His words...

Yes, the enemy is here. Yes, they are wanting to attack. Yes, they want to invade the city. Yes, they want you to experience fear and panic.

Then God tells Isaiah to say, But this is what the Sovereign Lord says...

Maybe you need those words today.

Maybe, with the enemy whispering in your ear, you need reminded of truth.

Maybe, with the world beating down your door and wearing down your senses, you need 'thus saith the Word of God', instead of flippant memes or random quotes.

Because when God says, it's final. 

You can take it to the bank.

You can stand on it.

You can rest assured.

(I'm including a link with 40 promises of God listed for you to have in front of you at all times. There's nothing like speaking God's own words into each and every situation you find yourself in.)

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/gods-promises-scripture-truths-to-cling-to-every-day.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20553081541&gbraid=0AAAAAD4hHd96I0kr2OdZKuolGNlLNmvoE&gclid=CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxN1FPSmllAFahU3ZUVcRkGTadiyoOtMn6sOyHDogsqKMSngcMbnSFBoCdecQAvD_BwE

 

CHANGING ONE DAY

Today's reading: Job 3-4

"For if I had died at birth, I would be at peace now, asleep and at rest." Job 3:13 NLT

Job has just endured the most gut-wrenching, sorrow-filled, unimaginable sequence of horrible events that one could imagine.

As he sat grieving and broken, he mutters the words his heart was feeling...

If only I had never been born.

Maybe you've had a day like that.

Quite possibly you've endured a series of unfortunate events that have left you feeling like Job.

There's a very good possibility that right now, as you sit reading this devotion, you are in the throws of such a time.

Know this...

...removing one day from your life...

...one sentence, paragraph or chapter from your life...

...one tough time, rough patch, heartbreak from your life...

Changes the trajectory of every day after.

Think about it: how and when your parents met, when, where and how you were raised, every single circumstance that makes you, well- you, hinges on God's weaving the story of your life on His grand loom.

We don't have to like every sentence of our stories. We don't even have to enjoy the setting or story line. We can at times even bristle against the other characters written into our vignettes. We do, however, have no right, no amount of wisdom, no wherewithal to question the Lord.

God holds the pen that writes our story.

 

ENTERING HIS HOUSE

Today's reading: Psalm 3-5

"Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple." Psalm 5:7 NLT

As I think about the worship service I am about to attend, I am reminded, with the help of this verse, how truly unworthy I am to even step foot in the house of the Lord.

I haven't the credentials needed for such a privilege.

I do not bear the bloodlines of one even allowed into His presence.

I cannot muster, on my best days, the decorum needed to rightly enter into His house.

My thoughts are not pure enough.

My deeds are not righteous enough.

My desires are not godly enough.

And yet, in His love, because of His grace, in His mercy--He made it possible for me to step inside the door of His Temple.

Jesus declared me worthy. 

He, by His act on the cross and my acceptance of His forgiveness, has marked me as one who can be in His presence as often as I want!

Let's remember His great deeds as we go into our individual houses of worship today. Let us not take for granted the very act that made us worthy to enter at all.

COMBINED ARMIES

Today's reading: Joshua 6-10

"Now all the kings west of the Jordan heard about what had happened. )These were the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, who lived in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far north a the Lebanon mountains.) These kings quickly combined their armies to fight against Joshua and the Israelites." Joshua 9:1-2 NLT

When God's people were simply known as runaway slaves, they were not a force to be considered.

When the Israelites wandered back and forth, here and there for forty years, they weren't considered anyone to worry about.

When the Hebrew children picked up their camp and moved from Egypt to the edge of the Jordan River, no one really worried about them.

But when Jericho fell?

When the 2 million of them gathered, marched, shouted and knocked the walls of the most fortified city in the world at that time, the enemies took notice!

Maybe that's what is going on in your life, too.

Maybe this new year you are determining to draw closer to the Lord...

Maybe you're head strong in your decision to be in your Bible every single day...

Maybe you are giving up some bad habits and taking up some new godly disciplines...

Know your enemy had taken notice.

Understand this: he doesn't like it, won't tolerate it and will fight against it with all he has in him...even calling together others of his demons to set traps, cause distractions and throw up obstacles in your path to be more God like.

Your enemy is fine until you get stirred up for the Lord.

 

I SOLEMNLY SWEAR

Today's reading: Genesis 4-7

"But I solemnly swear to keep you safe in the boat, with your wife and your sons and their wives." Genesis 6:18 NLT

God swore to keep Noah, Mrs. Noah and their sons and daughters-in-law safe in the ark.

The security of that covenant wasn't in Noah's craftsmanship of the ark...

Or in the obedience Noah exacted in collecting enough food stores to ride out this storm...

Or in Noah knowing the exact number of days their cruise would last.

The safety, security and salvation of Noah and his family didn't rest in what was man-made, what was humanly done OR what was understood--it all depended upon God's Word and His faithfulness to those He loves.

Nothing, from Noah's time to today, has changed about that.

When God promises to take care of His own, He does it.

When God says He forgives any and every sin, He does it.

When God says He will always be with us, He will be.

When God says we can trust Him entirely, we surely can.

Because it's His Word we can trust in, believe and stand on. It's what He says He will do. It's His faithfulness we can lean entirely upon.

God can be trusted, He is true to His word! 

NO MATTER WHO OR WHAT

Today's reading: Romans 3-4

"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done." Romans 3:22 NLT

No matter how long you have been a Christian...or if you are still teetering on the edge of making that life decision for yourself, it's good to be reminded of the truth in this single verse.

It doesn't matter who you are and it doesn't matter what you've done.

For the believer, it's important that we keep that in mind, lest the grace God extended to us ever become unappreciated. We have not earned our position as His child. We done nothing to deserve His forgiveness and love.

For you who might be considering the path of eternal life, know that nothing in your past is too ugly, dirty, heinous or belittling to make you exempt from His offer of salvation. There is nothing you could have done that would, if given to Him in prayer, not be forgiven--and forgotten by this great Savior.

No matter who and no matter what--very, very important for each and every one of us to be reminded of. 

THE REASON WE COME
Today's reading: Matthew 1-2

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2 NLT

Let's be honest, there are many reasons people want to get close to Jesus...

We hope to 'get some' on us, like rubbing a lucky rabbit's foot.

We hope to be close enough to see it, it's the fear of missing out drive within us.

We want to get a little of Him for ourselves, like lottery winners who overnight have more family and friends than they ever had before.

We want to be a part, well as much as we can without giving up too much.

We want to add another line to our obituary, being involved is important to all of us.

But how many of us see God at work and scooch in a little closer, just to be able to worship?

To be in a position where we can lift our hands and sing, I see You there!

To be on our knees speaking praise to His name!

To be in it, near it, touched by it, around it--but only care about the glory He receives from it!

What's the reason you come close to Jesus? 

STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND

Today's reading: Isaiah 1-6

"Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! This is what the Lord says: The children I raised and cared for have turned against me. Even the animals--the donkey and the ox--know their owner and appreciate his care, but not my people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand." Isaiah 1:2-3 NLT

Would you fall into the category of being one who 'still does not understand'?

You've tasted the goodness of the Lord...

You've experienced His saving mercies...

You've watched as He has done miraculous things...

You've had prayer request after prayer request answered by Him...

You've even gone so far as to claim Him as yours...

But there's a hold up.

A loop hole.

A bit of fine print that leaves you unable to completely and entirely, utterly and wholeheartedly, one hundred percent and without any straddling the fence, turn your life over to Him.

It's the parts you don't understand.

The WHY. The WHEN. The HOW.

We think we need to understand everything before we can trust God with it.

Wrong.

We need to trust God and allow Him to explain to us what He believes we need to know--when we need to know it.

That's faith. Trusting the unknown to the Known.

 

PRAISING WITH EMPTY HANDS

Today's reading: Job 1-2

"...The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!" Job 1:21b NLT

Job gives us an ageless example of praising God with empty hands.

His attitude, his faith, his commitment and his love for the Lord allow Job to worship God from the depths of his broken heart.

Why? How?

Because Job knew that God was bigger, grander, more encompassing and beyond the knowledge of Job's feeble mind.

Job knew God was more, much more, than anything He could ever place in Job's life.

Job knew God was greater than the greatest riches God could have blessed Job with.

Job knew God was more loving than any particular emotion Job might experience on any particular day.

What a lesson to learn. 

What a faith to cling to. 

What a rock-solid God to hang all one's attention, hope and peace on. 

BEARING FRUIT EACH SEASON

Today's reading: Psalm 1-2

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail." Psalm 1:3 NLT

Think of the trees growing where you live.

In the spring they go through spurts of growth New leaves emerge. Budding occurs. Branches extend bit by bit.

In the summer they produce fruit. The flowers of sprint turn into the apples that soak up the sunshine provided in the long days of summer.

In the fall the same trees give a harvest. The fruit has ripened. The produce is provided to us on every limb.

And in the winter the trees rest, recuperate and prepare to do it all again. 

Each season is productive in its own right.

Each season provides 'fruit' appropriate for that specific time.

No season is useless. No season is purposeless. No season is without reason.

So where are you? What season are you in?

As a child of God, anchored, rooted and fed by the river of His love and His Word, you should be producing fruit regardless of the season.

The fruit will look different. The fruit will be for varying consumers. The fruit may be for personal sustenance. 

But there will be fruit.

Is there? 

PARALYZING OUR ENEMY

Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear." Joshua 5:1 NLT

What's going on in your life that if shared, might paralyze your enemy?

Where is God making changes in your heart and life that leaves the Devil scrambling for his next tactics?

What miracles have you seen God do that need shouted from the mountaintops, making God more glorified?

When God's work in your life is heard about, our enemy quakes in his boots!

 WHO TOLD YOU

Today's reading: Genesis 1-3

"Who told you that you were naked? the Lord God asked. Have you eaten the fruit I commanded you not to eat?" Genesis 3:11 NLT

What better question to ask myself this year than that--Who told you?

There are a whole lot of voices vying for my attention. 

I must be extremely cautious as to who I choose to listen to, what truth I choose to believe and how I come about my thoughts.

JESUS CHRIST'S SLAVE

Today's reading: Romans 1-2

"This letter is from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News." Romans 1:1 NLT

My very first Bible reading of the new year and in it I find exactly where I want to be, heart and mind, for the next 365 days...

A slave to Jesus Christ.

Upon first reading about this position, I immediately thought of always being knelt at the foot of the throne of Jesus.

--Attentive. Always learning. Worshipful. My nose being in the Word at all times.

But Paul states that he is a slave that is chosen and sent out.

Chosen for a greater, grander, more glorious task than sitting around soaking up Bible knowledge.

Sent out to share the Good News. The wonderful news of salvation in the Cross.

Instructed to let others know about Jesus.

Always looking for opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Those actions come from the overflow of my having sat at His feet.

They are spill-overs from a relationship with my Lord that pours out of my life into the lives of others.

I want to be that kind of slave in this new year.

A slave to being so filled with the love of Christ that I look for any and every possible way to share it with others!