EXCEPT A FLASK OF OIL

Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-5

"...Nothing at all except a flask of olive oil, she replied." 2 Kings 4:2 NLT

This morning as the picnics are being prepared, the fireworks are being laid out and the sun is rising on this day, our county's birthday, I cannot help but see the hope this verse offers to us as citizens of the USA.

As many things as we see going wrong in our country...

As many people as there are that are attempting to tear it down...

As many poor choices as our government has made in regards to laws and allowances...

We still have 'a flask of oil'.

We have the foundation our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were based upon--God given rights.

We have the blood of our forefathers running through our veins--the people who fought to gain, secure and preserve this country.

We have the freedoms this country allow us--freedoms that allow us to speak, to write, to educate ourselves.

We have the basis this country was started with--belief in the One True God.

So, if we as Christians, take our 'flasks of oil' and put them together, we can once again honor God with our country.

Pray.

Assemble peaceably.

Stand for what is right and against what is wrong.

Use our God ordained, founding fathers penned, freedom to gather and worship.

Our great country can achieve great things. We can be a nation we are proud of. We can reach the world for the Lord.

BEING DIFFERENT

Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

"You are to distinguish between what is holy and what is ordinary, what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean." Leviticus 10:10 NLT

What's different about you?

Not the curve of your nose, the size of your feet or the color of your hair--but what makes you different from the world?

What distinguishes you as a follower of Christ? A child of God? A believer in Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Maybe it's where you go, and don't go.

Or, perhaps, what you say, or don't say.

There's a good possibility the difference lies in what you wear, or will not wear.

Maybe the separation is shown in what you will allow to entertain you, and what you will 'turn off'.

Being different is what Jesus asks us to be as we spend time on earth.

Markedly different. 

Blatantly different.

Absolutely different.

So different, in fact, that people come to us asking about what makes our lives distinct from the rest of the world!

EVERYTHING

Today's reading: Philippians 3-4

"For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13 NLT

I cannot think of a verse that has been more widely memorized, chanted, posted, leaned on or quoted than this verse.

But are we seeing it for what it really, and truly, says?

Our eyes pause on the 'everything' of the verse and our imaginations run wild.

We feel as if we are given the 'go ahead' on anything and 'everything' we can imagine.

But is that what it means?

Might it, and I am asking for myself as much as I am asking you, mean that we can do 'everything' God asks of us--not necessarily 'everything' we want to do?

We can, with Christ's help, do all He purposes us to do.

We can, in the strength of the Lord, accomplish every task He places before us.

We can, with God, complete each and every request He makes of us.

But this verse is not a carte blanche for all things we conjure up in our minds!

I don't need to do 'everything' I can imagine, dream, think or want to do.

I don't need to do 'everything' I see others do, desire in order to have an easier life or think might make me look good in the eyes of others.

God places a cap on the 'everything' He promises.

A boundary.

A set of borders that keep us from accomplishing a lot of things that might be fun, good, exciting or nice--in order that we complete the best and most godly of things He wants to involve us in.

Do a prayerful inventory of the 'everything' you're wanting to see done in your life.

BUT HIS FATHER SAID

Today's reading: Luke 15-16

"His son said to him, Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. But his father said to the servants, Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house, and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found." Luke 15:21-24 NLT

Child of God, do you know who you are?

Not who the world says you should be...

Or who you really want to be...

Or who you used to be...

Do you know what your Father says about you? What it is He celebrates about you? What He tells the world is your grandest trait?

It's not what you do that has wildly impressed Him.

It's not the 'rags to riches' testimony you have.

It's not the anticipation of who you will become.

He tells the world--This child of mine, that was dead--is now alive! This son/daughter of mine that was lost--has found their way home! My beloved one has come back to me!

Believing friend, that is who you are. 

A revived soul. A found child. A loved creation.

At all times. Every day. In every situation.

God celebrates that--you should, too!

LEARNING NOT TO STRAY

Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-18

"False prophets and hypocrites--evil people who claim to want my advice--will all be punished for their sins. In this way, the people of Israel will learn not to stray from me, polluting themselves with sin. They will be my people, and I will be their God, says the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 14:10-11 NLT

Had a season in your life where you strayed from the Lord's side?

A time when you thought you knew better?

Have you ever believed 'the grass was greener' on the other side of His commands?

How did that go for you?

God allows us to stray from Him.

He lets us follow our own paths.

Even though it hurts His heart, He watches as we live our own lives, going our own ways, settling for less than His very best.

And when we do it, we pollute ourselves with sin.

Our bodies, our hearts, our minds, our families, our communities, our world, are not created to function well outside of the will of the Lord.

Sin hurts. Waywardness stings. Self-serving ways end up leaving us empty. Ungodliness stinks.  

Turn back to the Lord today. Seek Him out. Repent of all you've done against His will. Start living again today!

WATCH OUT!

Today's reading: Proverbs 7

"So she seduced him with her pretty speech. With her flattery she enticed him. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Proverbs 7:21-23 NLT

While Solomon talks about a simpleminded young man on the street, might we all see ourselves in this biblical scenario?

Ungodliness seduces us. At all times. In a myriad of ways. No matter our spiritual age.

Flattery leads us to side-step what the Bible says is right and true, for what is advertised as fun and easy.

The un-thought-about remark...

The made-too-fast choice...

The not-prayed-over reaction...

And before we know it, we are bargaining with our lives. Decision by decision. Poor choice after poor choice.

Let's carefully survey our options today as we are called upon to live life choice by choice.

Will we be godly, or will we be seduced into a life that does not honor the Lord? 

OVERWHELMED WITH LONGING

Today's reading: Psalm 75-77

"I cry out to God without holding back. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I pray, with hands lifted toward heaven, pleading. There can be no joy for me until he acts. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help." Psalm 77:1-3 NLT

Ever been where Asaph must have been when he penned this psalm?

In deep trouble.

Searching for the slightest glimpse of the Lord.

Praying without ceasing.

Pleading.

Holding your breath waiting on the Lord to act.

Spiritual moaning. Physical distress.

Longing for His help.

Those feelings didn't push Asaph away from the Lord, but towards Him.

The search for God drew Asaph closer and closer to God, revealing his inner need for all God offered.

To tell you the truth, it's making me reconsider my responses to tough times. Times when emotions get the best of me and personal hardships bring to the surface who I really am.

Am I intentionally seeking out the Lord? Am I desperate for Him? Am I overwhelmed with a desire to see Him act--in the situation and in me? 

ESPECIALLY GUILTY

Today's reading: 1 Kings 19-22

"He was especially guilty because he worshiped idols just as the Amorites had done--the people whom the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites." 1 Kings 21:26 NLT

When you know better, you should do better.

Ever heard that phrase?

Ahab knew the history of the Israelite people. How they received land promised to them by God. How this promise would be kept in place by not following the customs and practices of the Amorites, from whom He took the land.

Ahab knew all that and still did it--making him especially guilty.

What do you know?

What is it you should stay away from?

Where is it you need not go?

When is it you shouldn't make decisions because your head and heart aren't in the right place?

Who is it that distracts you from wholeheartedly serving the Lord?

When you know better, you should do better.

 

ALL IN
Today's reading: Leviticus 7-9

"Then Moses presented the ram to the Lord for the whole burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head as Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took the ram's blood and sprinkled it against the sides of the altar. Next he cut the ram into pieces and burned the head, some of its pieces, and the fat on the altar. After washing the internal organs and the legs with water, Moses burned the entire ram on the altar as a whole burnt offering. It was an offering given to the Lord by fire, very pleasing to the Lord. All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." Leviticus 8:22-24 NLT

Being a priest, or even an 'under-priest' took some, as my grandmother used to say, gumption.

    These men had to be obedient--to follow the Lord's directions.

    They had to be strong--to wrestle a ram, dead weight, into place.

    They had to be precise--to do the butchering they needed to do.

    They had to not be squeamish--there was a whole lot of blood.

    They had to be committed--every day, every single day.

    They had to be completely sold out--this was not a glamorous job.

There is no difference today for those of us serving the Lord!

We have to be obedient, remain strong in our convictions, precise in our living, not squeamish in regards to the ugly work sometimes required, committed to the Lord and absolutely surrendered to His will being the best route.

Being a servant of the Lord is not for the faint of heart--it's for those whose hearts are saved, changed, redeemed and at the beckon call of their King.

WILL CONTINUE

Today's reading: Philippians 1-2

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Philippians 1:6 NLT

There are a lot of things I am sure about...

-I am sure I will always be prone to mess up.

-I am sure that in this world we believers will have trouble.

-I am sure that serving the Lord won't come naturally--it will always be a struggle to do what is godly.

-I am sure I will be undeserving of every ounce of grace God pours into my life.

-I am sure I will never fully grasp the enormity of His love for me. 

And according to this verse, I can be sure that what God has started, He will finish.

In me.

In my prodigal.

In the purpose He has for me.

He doesn't half-do things. He doesn't have a closet filled with unfinished projects, me being one of them. He doesn't half-amaze, half-heal, half-save or half-comfort.

He will continue His work in us all...if we will but allow Him to do it!

LISTENING TO THE NEWS

Today's reading: Luke 13-14

"Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

I can imagine Jesus sitting down, for a brief moment and looking over the 'headlines of the day'.

He hears about Pilate's rampage against some Jewish believers. He gets news about a building collapse in Siloam. He is told of countless other unfair happenings around Galilee that didn't make the news.

And it gives Him an opportunity for a lesson.

Life's not fair, He commiserates.

Life is hard, He agrees.

Life offers some sad happenings, He acquiesces.

Life won't be fair here, He says.

Life won't last forever, He reminds.

Life ends unless you repent and believe in Me, He preaches.

It's true. The headlines hurt our hearts. Happenings knock the props out from under us. Diagnoses steal our breath. Life isn't fair--so we much bank on heaven!

Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and live for Him and when this unfair life ends, live eternally with Him!

WEEP AND SIGH

Today's reading: Ezekiel 7-12

"He said to him, Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who weep and sigh because of the sins they see around them." Ezekiel 9:4 NLT

In this vision God has given Ezekiel, a heavenly assignment was given to mark the foreheads of everyone who was bothered by sin.

Bothered by their own sins.

Bothered by those they saw committed around them.

Bothered to the point at which they would cry over it.

Bothered to the extreme of it breaking their hearts.

It makes me wonder...

How many of us would be marked today?

Are we even disgusted by sin anymore?

Does the very thought of disobeying God bother us in the least?

Or have we come to just accept it? Tolerate it? Not give it a passing thought?

This morning, as I sit in my prayer chair, I'm asking God to bother me with sin. To open my eyes to what truly disgusts Him. To change my attitude in regards to what I okay, what I allow to entertain me, what I see as 'just another lifestyle', what I chalk up as being okay for them.

I want to be marked as one who weeps and sighs because of the sins I see around me.

 

THE GUIDANCE OF GOD'S WORD

Today's reading: Proverbs 5-6

"Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you." Proverbs 6:22 NLT

If you're anything like me, your day isn't filled with choices needing to be made in regards to what is good or bad, but rather a matter of choosing between what is good, what is better and what is best.  

-What's the best use of my time and talents?

-Where's the most important place to invest my skills?

-How might I most wisely spend the money He has given me?

-Which hours of the day need set apart for God--and God alone?

I have to be willing to turn to God's Word for His counsel in all the decisions I am called upon to make throughout the day.

I want to honor Him in all I say, 'Yes', to.

I can only do that when He leads and I follow.

And He tells us, over and over again, that He does it through His Word!

BUT AS FOR ME

Today's reading: Psalm 72-74

"But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do." Psalm 73:28 NLT

Where is it you have drawn a line in the sand in regards to your Christian growth?

What is your 'no matter what' discipline?

Do others know that even if nothing else gets done, you will have done _____?

It is those 'but as for me' statements that will grow our faith, draw us closer to the Lord and build up stepping stones that lead from one level of righteousness to the next.

You've gotta have them.

You have to have some firm boundaries in place in order that you will achieve personal growth in the Lord.

'But as for me' may look like...

-I won't open up Facebook until I've read in my Bible.

-I won't pick up my phone until I've spent some time in prayer.

-I won't let a day go by that I don't jot down something I'm grateful to God for.

-I won't miss an opportunity to worship the Lord with my brothers and sister in Christ.

 Set some goals for your spiritual growth. Determine a few things you will do each and every day in order to be nearer to the Lord. Start with baby steps--and watch how the Lord chooses to bless them!

ABIJAM

Today's reading: 1 Kings 14-18

"Abijam began to rule over Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Maacah, the daughter of Absalom. He committed the same sins as his father before him, and his heart was not right with the Lord his God, as the heart of his ancestor David had been. But for David's sake, the Lord his God allowed his dynasty to continue, and he gave Adijam a son to rule after him in Jerusalem. For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite." 1 Kings 15:1-5 NLT

Think about the grace God poured out on David's family.

Just in these five verses we see that Abijam, a grandson of David, sat on the throne.

He was not a godly man.

He was in power only because God had promised David a dynasty.

God's grace does that. Then and now.

He pours out grace on those of us that are undeserving.

He gives grace to those of us with stained pasts.

He showers grace on those that come after us, as a legacy of our lives lived for Him.

Unmerited favor on those who follow, even imperfectly, after Him. Groundless grace that is bestowed because I am bold enough to believe He will give what He promises to give when I but ask.

I want that kind of grace to pour into my life--and into the lives of those who come after me.

MAKE ME AWARE

Today's reading: Leviticus 4-6

"If any of them sin by doing something forbidden by the Lord, even if it is done unintentionally, they will be held responsible. When they become aware of their guilt, they must bring to the priest a ram from the flock as a guilt offering. The animal must have no physical defects, and it must be of the proper value..." Leviticus 17-18 NLT

Ever had your mind changed, your attitude adjusted or been 'set to rights'?

That's what God does when He reveals to us our sins.

He chooses to make us aware of ways in which we sin against Him, and that's what every sins does, through conviction.

Some days it's in regards to things you are currently involved in--and no longer set well in your heart of hearts.

On other days, He will point out areas in which you need to lean harder on Him, less on the things of this world or places where you are veering hard towards the world.

And in some precious moments He might speak to you about things you did before you believed on Him as Lord and Savior. Things you didn't know, at the time, were sins.

However He chooses to correct us and whatever it might be about, we can know that it is for our own good and in order to bring Him glory.

Painful? Yes.

Uncomfortable? Absolutely.

Embarrassing? At times.

Worth it? You better believe it.

Lord, make us aware of our sins so that we can repent them to You and find your forgiveness!

THE REMEDY FOR UNRAVELING

Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

"Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace." Ephesians 4:3 NLT

United in the Holy Spirit and bound together with peace...sounds like the remedy for the feeling of unraveling that most of us feel at one point or another.

Loose ends fraying? Spend time in the Word.

Falling apart at the seams? Make time to pray.

Feeling undone? Give all your 'pieces' to the Creator who put you together in the first place.

Tangled up with emotions? Tell the Lord.

Torn in different directions? Ask God to make your very next step clear...then the next...then the next.

YOUR "YES"

Today's reading: Luke 11-12

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." Luke 11:23 NLT

Got something God has asked you to do, and you are 'praying over it'?

Maybe 'praying over it' is a stretch. 

There is a very good likelihood that you are putting it off, shoving it to the side, attempting to ignore it or down right refusing to believe He would ask such of you.

Read this morning's verse again...

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

Are you for the Lord--or are you silly enough to attempt to go against Him?

One choice will bring about rewards and blessings--the other, well, the other option won't end well for you.

Say "YES" to the Lord.

Sign up for what He's asking of you.

Join His team.

Work alongside Him.

Follow Him where ever it is He goes.

Your "YES" in this small thing may have a huge impact on His kingdom!

 

AT LEAST THEY WILL KNOW

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-6

"They are a hard-hearted and stubborn people. But I am sending you to say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says! And whether they listen or not--for remember, they are rebels--at least they will know they have had a prophet among them." Ezekiel 2:4-5 NLT

Ezekiel was given a tough task, one he would be presenting to a tough audience.

But he had to do it.

He had to in order to obey the Lord.

He had to because he loved his people, as rebellious as they were.

He had to for himself, he needed to know he had done all he could to tell them what the Lord had to say.

What about you?

Are you telling the world about your Jesus? That he came to save us from our sins? That he offers an eternal future with him?

The world needs to know.

God has asked us to tell them about him.

You need to reach the end of your life knowing you told who you could, when you could, because you knew how it had changed your life.

What they do with the information is entirely up to them, but at least you will have told them.

Share the Good News! 

DON'T FORGET

Today's reading: Proverbs 4

"...Don't forget or turn away from my words." Proverbs 4:5 NLT

How firmly seated in your daily routine is time in your Bible?

Do you have a set time and place when which you dive into His Word daily?

Do you sporadically read a few verses when seeking wisdom or when you need a 'good verse' to write in a card or letter?

Do the Scriptures take a sabbatical through the week and you pick them up only as you head out the door to church on Sunday?

God tells us, through Solomon, not to forget or turn away from His words.

We need what He has to say.

We have reason to pour over His words.

We can learn from what the Holy Bible tells us.

Here is your reminder: Don't forget to pick up your Bible today.

PS...Might I make a suggestion? Close out of this screen right now and end your computer time until you've picked up your Bible. 

HELP ME, LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 69-71

"Don't let those who trust in you stumble because of me, O Sovereign Lord Almighty..." Psalm 69:6 NLT

Help me, Lord, not to cause anyone to question Your goodness.

Remind me, in any and every conversation, that I am representing You.

Provide me words, and deeds, that honor You in all places and at all times.

Back me up if you put me on a platform, so that I bring You all the glory.

Please, please, don't let me be a stumbling block in another's walk with You.

You are too worthy of all praise. You are too holy to be muddied by any attempts I could ever make to represent You. Your name is too good to be sullied by the likes of me.

~Amen

INSISTING ON OUR OWN WAY

Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-13

"Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharoah's daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon and from among the Hittites. The Lord had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway." 1 Kings 11:1-3 NLT

It's not that Solomon didn't know better.

It isn't even that Solomon didn't know the 'why' behind the instructions.

And in Solomon's case, it didn't even have to do with a lack, or wanting for anything--or anyone in this matter.

It all boils down to Solomon insisting on his own way.

And it eventually cost Solomon his kingdom.  

Disobedience always comes with a price.

Not only for Bible-time kings who were rich and had a penchant for women.

It happens in our own lives, too.

God will let you have whatever it is you want in life--but if what you want goes against His best for you, expect to pray the price.

Know something will extract the cost of that choice.

Be it spiritually.

Emotionally.

Mentally.

Physically.

Insisting on our own way will cost us at some point.

KNOWING OUR OWN STRENGTH

Today's reading: Leviticus 1-3

"Then, grasping the bird by its wings, the priest will tear the bird apart, though not completely. Then he will burn it on top of the wood fire on the altar. It is a whole burnt offering made by fire, very pleasing to the Lord." Leviticus 1:17 NLT

Before you say, My, what an unusual verse you have landed on this morning, Malinda...hear me out.

As servants of a good God.

As those who have been set aside to work for His kingdom.

As ones who are priests.

We have to be strong AND we have to know our own strength.

The Levitical priests not only served spiritually, but, as mentioned in this verse, they served physically.

They had to use their strength, and know their own strength.

Did you notice?

They had to tear the sacrificial turtledove or pigeon apart --but not all the way apart.

That took some strength and it took knowing when to rein strength in. Just enough, but not too much.

Do we do that as 'priests' today?

Are we serving wholeheartedly, but not going overboard?

Are we doing all we can, but not doing more than we should?

Are we giving our all, but not doling out too much in any one area so that we end up lacking in another?

It's all about knowing our own strength--and where we need God's governing power at work in our lives.

GOOD TIMES AND BAD

Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth." Ephesians 3:14 NLT

Good times, and not so good times, befall us all.

Our days are littered with highs and lows, blessings and niggling dreads.

Paul re-centers our minds in this single verse.

He reminds us that in the good times and in the bad, God's plan can be considered and trusted.

The wisdom and scope of His plans far succeed what we can fathom.

Pondering all He controls should drop us to our knees.

Recalling how vast His control is over all things, in heaven and on earth, can calm our fears, put fire in our bellies and give us cause to praise Him loudly and constantly.

I'm going to make the time throughout my day to think of the scope and wisdom of God's plan--and breathe a sigh of relief that it's not all up to me!

HE HAS SENT ME AHEAD

Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages he planned to visit." Luke 10:1 NLT

As I begin studying over the upcoming Vacation Bible School lessons, I am encouraged by this verse.

I'm not blazing a trail into the hearts and minds of these little people...

I'm not coming up with something new and exciting that will grab and hold their attention...

I'm not forging ahead with concepts that will remain in place only if I present them perfectly and with grand articulation...

I'm going ahead of Jesus.

He will be right along behind me correcting what I mess up, filling in where I left out and taking what the Word says farther than I ever could!

Do I need to prepare? Yes! Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

But it doesn't all hinge on me, my abilities, my acts or my perfection.

I'm going ahead of Jesus, sent where He has asked me to go, believing He will come along behind me to 'seal the deal' in hearts and minds in which I am privileged to plant the seed of the Gospel.

How exciting is that?

LOOKING IN VAIN

Today's reading: Lamentations

"We looked in vain for our allies to come and save us, but we were looking to nations that could offer no help at all." Lamentations 4:17 NLT

Jeremiah writes the book of Lamentations as his heart's sorrowful response to the fall of Jerusalem.

He lists the terrors this once mighty land endured. He tells of the horrific defeat they were now suffering. He weeps over the choices that led to this prophesied end. His heart aches over the fact that this 'city of God' was now a godless and forsaken land.

And in this single verse, he states the real problem. The issue that led them to the mess they were in...

They looked to the wrong things for help.

They looked into themselves, desiring to live lives that did not focus on the Lord.

They looked to neighboring nations, hoping their military power, their appealing wares and their pocket gods might make them comfortable.

They looked to priests and leaders who were not living out the laws of the Torah, and who were dragging the people down with them.

They looked to people, places and things that could offer no help.

And all the while, God stood ready, willing and able to help them through it all.

What about you?

Where are you looking for salvation? For help? For hope? For guidance? For peace?

If you are not looking to the Lord, you are looking in vain at things that will offer you no help at all.

CRYING OUT

Today's reading: Proverbs 2-3

"Cry out for insight and understanding." Proverbs 2:3 NLT

Insight and understanding are important aspects of gaining wisdom from the Lord.

Insight refers to having a deep understanding of a situation, often coming from sudden realization or intuition.

Understanding, however, involves a more thorough grasp of a concept or idea through analysis, study or personal experience.

Insight is an 'off-the-cuff' understanding, but true understanding requires a level of investment--through time, effort and dedication to finding out.

Both are important in our walks with the Lord.

Both are gifts from God.

These gifts will help us walk through life holding tightly to the Lord's hand.

But these gifts are ones we must 'cry out' for. Ask for. Seek out. Request of the Lord.

In moments of immediate need and in the quiet times with our Bibles opened on our laps.

Cry out for insight and understanding, it will make you wise. 

FULFILLING MY VOWS

Today's reading: Psalm 66-68

"Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings to fulfill the vows I made to you--yes, the sacred vows you heard me make when I was in deep trouble." Psalm 66:13-14 NLT

The Lord's Day has rolled around again.

I'll not moan and groan about how the week has flown by, or about all the things I'd hoped to do remaining undone.

I'll just say it's Sunday again--and I'm glad!

You see, with all the Lord has helped me do this week...

All the times He has answered the cries of my heart...

All the ways He has shown Himself faithful and true...

Giving Him my Sunday is the least I can do!

I'll go to the house of the Lord...

I'll serve in whatever capacity He leads...

I'll worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ...

All because He deserves it. And much more, but He deserves my attention on a day He has set aside for rest and worship.

I won't have burnt offerings in my hands, but I'll have a candle that's seemingly burning at both ends, and I know He will see my effort and hear my praise!

THE EYES AND EARS OF GOD

Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-9

"May your eyes be open to my requests and to the requests of your people Israel. Hear and answer them whenever they cry out to you." 1 Kings 8:52 NLT

Solomon, at the dedication of the Temple, asked that God's eyes and ears be upon him and the people.

What more beautiful prayer is there than that?

That God see all we need, and answer accordingly and that God hear all our prayers, our praises and our desperate pleas for His help.

Knowing He hears and sees all, we should rest assured that nothing, NOTHING, happens to us outside of His knowledge.

THE BRONZE WASHBASIN

Today's reading: Exodus 37-40

"The bronze washbasin and its bronze pedestal were cast from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle." Exodus 38:8 NLT 

How big was this 'sink' and how many mirrors did it take to build it, I'm asking myself this morning.

How, after traveling 40 years through the wilderness, did these mirrors survive unbroken, I question.

And, why mirrors?

In doing a little research about this washbasin, I've found this paragraph that gives me some depth to the mystery...

'The Basin served as a constant reminder of the holiness required of those who minister before the LORD. It underscored the necessity of purity and the separation from sin, which is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.'

Nothing reminds you of who you are more quickly than a mirror.

Whether it's that first glimpse of the morning, intensive cosmetic updating or heading out the door for work, we check our mirrors.

We want to know what we look like. How good we look. What needs touching-up. Whether or not we are presentable.

But what if we turned our mirrors over to God for His use?

What if the mirrors we had weren't about how we looked, but how clean we are before the Lord or how we can serve Him?

What if our mirrors caused us to pause and look soul-deep instead of a passing skin-deep glance?

Maybe, just maybe, that's why mirrors were used to build this receptacle for the Lord--a place to stop and clean off the world as one prepared to step into God's presence with a servant's heart.

LOSING INTEREST

Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world's interest in me is long dead." Galatians 6:14 NLT

There is no multiple choice quiz, or true/false examination, in regards to how deep your faith goes.

The lab cannot test your blood or DNA for those results.

Your pastor cannot check your 'spiritual temperature' each and every time you arrive at your house of worship.

Paul, however, gives us an indicator we can watch for...

Our interest in the world and its impact on us.

-How concerned are you with fitting in with the world?

-How important is it that you be admired, liked, honored or recognized by the world?

-How often are your actions, ideas and attitudes dictated by what will work best in the world around you?

-Are you more interested in pleasing those around you, or the Lord?

Questions like these will unearth the truths about where our allegiances lie--with a dying world, or with Jesus.

Take some time today to think about your answers to questions like these. Spend some time with the Lord asking Him to reveal your true interests--and whether they are in Him, or in the world.

 

JUST SAY THE WORD

Today's reading: Luke 7-8

"So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, Lord, don't trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed." Luke 7:6-7 NLT

The Roman office who spoke these words will be highly commended by Jesus for his faith in just a few verses.

He knew Jesus's power.

He was aware of Jesus's authority.

He understood the healing Jesus held in his words, his touch and his presence.

And this man believed it to the extent that he told Jesus...

Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

That's faith, friends. 

I want that kind of faith.

The kind that is assured that even praying for something once, in the name of Jesus, it is done.

The type of faith that doesn't depend upon a specific test result or good reports from a doctor.

The faith that knows, without a doubt, that Jesus is on the scene, whether I see Him at work or not.

The faith that gives Him full rein, doesn't provide suggestions and leaves it all in His trustworthy hands.

The style of faith that prays as desperately for others as I do for myself.

The kind of faith that, from its roots, knows the answer Jesus provides me is unmerited, because of my unworthiness.

I want that faith.

I want faith that tells the Lord, Just do it from where You are--and I know it will be done!

OPENING UP HIS ARMORY

Today's reading: Jeremiah 47-52

"The Lord has opened his armory and brought out weapons to vent his fury against his enemies..." Jeremiah 50:25 NLT

I don't know if you are aware of this or not, but your enemy is God's enemy.

He takes, very personally, attacks against you.

He is full aware of our enemy's tactics, tricks, traps and talk.

So amidst these chapters speaking wrath against enemy nations, I find this single verse to be of huge comfort to me.

God has opened up His armory and brought out His weapons against our enemy!

Doesn't that put steel in your spine?

Doesn't that put a little grit in your will?

Doesn't that make you a little more courageous?

Our Lord has opened up His warehouse of weapons and will use them against our enemy, the Devil.

It's not up to us. Frail, weak, incapable, us.

He is the one who fights against our enemy and He will use every weapon in His arsenal to do it!

LISTENING TO HIM
Today's reading: Proverbs 1

"But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm." Proverbs 1:33 NLT

Proverbs are probabilities. Probabilities that Solomon collected from viewing life and living life.

While he had his own faults, and who among us don't have some, he knew that listening to and following the Lord was the safest, most peaceful way to live.

Does this mean that it will go well, smooth sailing, for anyone and every one who follows the Lord in all they do? No.

Does it mean that Christians will be safe from any and every disease, accident, fall or scraped knee? No.

Does it mean that in all that happens...if we have listened for His instruction and followed His way...our souls will rest safely in His capable hands and our hearts can be at peace no matter the storms of life?

YES!

Let's tune our ears into His voice today. 

WHAT JOYS AWAIT
Today's reading: Psalm 63-65

"...What joys await us inside your holy Temple." Psalm 65:4 NLT

It's Sunday morning here on the farm.

The rooster has crowed. The coffee has percolated. The Sunday best is on.

I'm thinking over the things I need to do before leaving for church while juggling in my mind things I need to take care of once I get to church. The chairs I need to set up, the folks I need to search out, the last minute look over the Sunday School lesson.

With all that swirling through my mind, God speaks this part of Psalm 65:4 to my heart...

'What joys away us inside your holy Temple.'

In the getting ready for worship, in the preparing for worship, in the getting to worship, in the schematics of worship--I tend to forget all the joys awaiting me in worship.

The joy of gathering with believers.

The joy of praising His name in one voice.

The joy of hearing His Word spoken over us.

The joy of an open altar of prayer.

The joy of having burdens lifted and getting to help others carry theirs to the foot of the Cross.

There is joy awaiting me at God's house this morning--am I excitedly looking forward to it and will I pause to receive it?

EXCEPT

Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except..." 1 Kings 3:1 NLT

One cannot help but pause on this particular verse.

We know about Solomon...

His wealth. His wisdom. His grand building projects. His accumulated treasures. His wives and concubines.

But this single verse, one out of all the words written about Solomon, are possibly the saddest penned by God's hand.

And the verse that makes us more in common with this historical king than anything in his biography.

We all have that 'except' in our hearts and lives.

Something that keeps us from being wholeheartedly, sold out to the Lord.

That one thing that we just can't/won't/haven't/don't want to turn over to Him for safe keeping.

I'm presenting my 'except' to the Lord, asking Him to take it, have it, hold it. Maybe, just maybe, you have one, too.

THE -ITES

Today's reading: Exodus 33-36

"The Lord said to Moses, Now that you have brought these people out of Egypt, lead them to the land I solemnly promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I told them long ago that I would give this land to their descendants. And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittities, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." Exodus 33:1-2 NLT

As obedient followers of the One True God and people to whom God had promised a land of their own, Moses could confidently lead the people into what appeared to be enemy territory--knowing God went ahead of them.

Sure, the '-ites' were there, big, brutish, skilled in warfare, having the home court advantage, but God told them He would take care of that problem by sending an angel.

The same is true for us today as His followers!

We have no clue how many times God sends His angel ahead of us to prepare the way, to set things right, to open doors ahead of us.

Here are some of the '-ites' I deal with on a daily basis...see if any of mine might correlate to your own list...

Appetites. Personal desires that would override all God's work in my heart, mind and body if left unattended.

Hypocrites. Those for whom I must work extra hard at being Christlike, to undo what they do to the name of Jesus and Christians.

Opposites. Paul talked about these in Romans--the things I knew I ought not do, but did--and and things I needed to do, but didn't. The how I feel versus what I should do kinds of things.

Rewrites. The times my plans, even those written in ink, were rewritten by God. Good plans. Well thought out plans. Plans that paled in comparison to God's plans.

Parasites. The things in this world that suck the very life out of me. Joy stealers. Doubt placers.

Websites. The places on the world wide web that lead me away from what is godly, best or needful. Time wasters. Comparison planters.

I know on numerous occasions God has gone ahead of me and defeated some '-ites' and rerouted me around some '-ites' and prepared me for battles with some of my '-ites'.

And I know He will do it again today!

BECAUSE OF ME
Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"And they gave glory to God because of me." Galatians 1:24 NLT

I'm wanting to bank this verse in my memory.

Not just to quote in an effort to impress...

Not just to have another on the stockpile of great quotes...

Not just in order that I hide the Word in my heart...

I want this verse in my heart and mind because I'm determined to live it out!

I want any and all applause I might garner to be forwarded to God.

I want any good seen in me, and some days it takes a magnifying glass to see it, to be credited to the Lord.

I want God to be glorified through everything I do.

Pats on the back...

Standing ovations...

Compliments given...

I want God to receive the glory when someone notices that I've done something honoring, glorifying and good.

And in order to live like that, I've got to get this verse memorized, applied and secured in my heart.

Maybe you want to 'get it in you', too?

 

PRESSING IN

Today's reading: Luke 5-6

"One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God." Luke 5:1 NLT

I'm imagining what my church would be like if crowds pressed in to listen to the Word of God spoken.

-Folks getting their early just to make sure they had a seat.

-Families canceling all other plans just to hear a sermon from the Bible.

-Standing room only.

-A full house.

Like the scene at a concert...or a ballpark...or a Black Friday sale.

Do we press in to hear God's Word?

-In our daily schedules, making sure we're spending time in the Bible?

-In our weekly plans, putting Him first?

-In our hearts, desiring to hear from God above all else?

 

WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT
Today's reading: Jeremiah 42-46

"Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we send you with our plea. For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us." Jeremiah 42:6 NLT

Jeremiah had been approached by the officials of his day in order that he seek God on the nation's behalf.

They wanted to know what the Lord would have them do.

They wanted to be assured that what they were planning to do would line up with His plans.

They said, as they spoke to Jeremiah, that they would do whatever God asked of them--whether they like it or not.

Those are bold words.

Those are hard words.

Those are words that are much easier said than lived out.

The people of Jeremiah's time said them, but didn't follow through on them.

Same is true today, isn't it?

On Sunday we tell the Lord, Whatever You want for me!

By Monday, mid-day or before, we're already seeking out ways to live out our own plans for our own comfort in ways that bring about our own glory.

It's true, isn't it?

'Whether we like it or not' are a great sounding prayer, but makes for hard living if you're one prone to serving self.

I've challenged myself to attempt to live out this statement today. To seek God in each and every decision and follow through on how He leads me...

Whether I like His advice, instruction, command or request, or not!

PRAYING FOR FRIENDS

Today's reading: Job 41-42

"When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!" Job 42:10 NLT

Job could have, understandably, passed on praying for anyone but himself.

I mean, let's be honest, Job was in a tough spot, had endured some deep losses and was bearing his own heavy weight of sorrow.

But God asked him to pray for his friends.

And Job did.

And, according to the Scriptures, this prayer is what led to God restoring Job's blessings.

Might one consider that a lesson against the trap of self-centeredness?

Or an up close insight into the war against 'woe-is-me'?

Or even an object lesson in the truth that if we look around, there's someone in more need than ourselves?

And in the instance of Job's friends--they needed to know the God Job knew, on the level Job knew him.

Praying for others unleashes God's power in the lives of those we pray for, but also in our own lives.

Who is God asking you to pray for today?

 

CRY OUT TO YOU

Today's reading: Psalm 60-62

"From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me." Psalm 61:2-3 NLT

Lord, You are my safe place.

My Rock of protection.

My Fortress of faithfulness.

My Refuge from all that tries to harm me.

And yet, there are days I try to handle the battles on my own.

I attempt to fight my enemy in my own strength.

I give it a go with all I've got--and it ain't much!

Oh, that my first response would always be to turn to You.

That my reaction to all that's hard, unlovely, hurtful and frightening will be to run to You.

From where ever I am, and in regards to what ever I'm facing--let me seek safety in Your arms.

Let me find comfort in Your Word.

Allow me to rest in Your presence.

-Amen 

 WHAT'S THE REASON

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"There was a famine during David's reign that lasted for three years, so David asked the Lord about it. And the Lord said, The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites." 2 Samuel 21:1 NLT

When things weren't just right...

When nothing was going well...

When times were tough...

David asks the Lord about it.

And God points out the issue needing corrected.

It's a good lesson for us all.

To survey the situation and take what's not right to Him.

Sometimes His answer will require us to make some changes.

Other times He will ask us to make amends.

Once in a while He will point out what we have done to bring about the hard times.

And sometimes, sometimes it's all a matter of living in a sin-filled, sin-sick, sin-soaked world.

But our best bet is always to ask Him about it. Like David did.

GETTING DIRTY

Today's reading: Exodus 29-32

"And place on his head the turban with the gold medallion. Then take the anointing oil and pour it over his head." Exodus 29:6-7 NLT

Skilled craftsmen and women had followed God's instructions to the T in making priestly robes and headdresses for Aaron and his sons.

A whole lot of work had gone into the intricate fabric making, the ornate stitching and the tunics, sashes and ephod.

While I might think the best use for such God-ordained vestages would be to sit in a corner and stay nice and clean, God had other plans.

He wanted anointing oil poured over them. From head to toe.

Oil.

What? Ruin these fine pieces of clothing? 

In order to dedicate these men to the Lord and to the Lord's service, instructions needed to be followed--including the dousing of Aaron and his sons, fully dressed, in anoiting oil.

My take-away?

Serving the Lord will get us dirty.

We might sweat.

We could possibly end up injured in the service.

We might even become worn out.

What we are not to be is little gods sitting on the sidelines being kept safe, sound and clean.

It might mean exchanging our Sunday best for workwear.

Our hands might get dirty.

Our hearts might be broken.

Our pocketbooks might be emptied.

Our 'fine clothes' might get wrinkled and stained.

All in service to the Lord.

 

 HIS HANDS ARE NOT TIED

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

"...Christ is not weak in his dealings with you; he is a mighty power among you." 2 Corinthians 13:3 NLT

I don't know what you think you've messed up or what you believe our enemy is keeping God from doing in your life--God is not weak!

His ways cannot be thwarted.

His blessings cannot be withheld.

His love will not be swept under the rug.

His plans will come to fruition, with our help or without.

God is not weak!

Our enemy likes to feed us the lie that a whole heap of a lot depends upon us--and it does in regards to our submission, our obedience, our willingness. But a whole heap more depends entirely, utterly, completely and distinctly upon the mighty, mountain moving, earth shaking and life changing power of our Lord!

His power is what gets everything done. He merely allows us to come along for the ride!

PRAYING LIKE JESUS

Today's reading: Luke 3-4

"One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you." Luke 3:21-22 NLT 

I have a new 'prayer closet'.

As a matter of fact, this is my first morning spending time with the Lord, and with you, in it.

I want this new place to be a place of refreshment for me, a place of discernment for me, a place where I can put all else aside and hear from the Lord.

I want to be able to read my Bible in peace and quiet contemplation.

I hope to use my time in this space to hear God's voice and to speak to Him on behalf of others.

I want to use this special room for the kind of prayer that Jesus prayed the day He was baptized. Prayer that opens up heaven and grabs God's attention. Prayer that pleases my Father. Prayer that moves God to engage the Holy Spirit around about me in visible ways, as it did with the dove.

That kind of prayer is what I want to happen in this new room--but I also know it will require that my 'prayer time' extend to the rest of my day as well...

-in how I respond to others.

-in what I take from the Scriptures and apply to my life.

-in how I choose to take the Lord with my into my day.

-in the words I hear and in the words I speak.

-in the 'yes-es' I say to Him throughout the day.

-in the 'no-s' I tell myself.

Jesus kind of prayer extends far beyond the specified walls of a prayer closet and into the everydayness of my life.

Your life, too.

FRIENDS LIKE THAT

Today's reading: Jeremiah 37-41

"So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury, where he found some old rags and discarded clothing. He carried these to the cistern and lowered them to Jeremiah on a rope. Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes. Then when Jeremiah was ready, they pulled him out. So Jeremiah was returned to the courtyard of the guard--the palace prison--where he remained." Jeremiah 38:11-13 NLT

An odd story...

A prophet. A leading politician. An old dried up well. A bunch of rags. A rescue.

Jeremiah had been wrongly imprisoned and left to die in an old cistern.

Ebed-melech, a palace official who feared God more than he feared men, knew this was wrong and gathered a few friends for the mission to rescue this prophet of God.

My take-away?

Live your life in such a way that people see what you do right, how you stand for God, that you are blameless (not perfect)--and you will always have friends supporting you!

Friends that lift you out of miry pits.

People who stand up for you in conversations.

Gals, or guys, who pray for you.

Fellow believers who will stop gossip about you because of their love for you.

We all need godly friends--friends who know where to find rags and discarded clothes!

DO YOU HAVE THE ANSWERS?

Today's reading: Job 39-40

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but you have the answers?" Job 40:1 NLT

Maybe you don't like how things are going for you.

Quite possibly your plans have been pushed aside for God's purposes.

There's a high probability that what you want is not close to what you have.

And you're questioning God about it.

Well, to use God's word to Job, Do you have all the answers?

Sure, you know what you think you want.

You even have a grand plan of how things should work out.

And you have a great deal of know-how on what would make your life much easier--or prettier--or more comfortable.

But do you have the answers?

Do you know how one piece of your life's puzzle in the wrong place would affect so many other areas of your life--and the lives of those around you--and the impact He purposed you to have in His Kingdom?

Do you have all the answers?

I don't. 

You don't. 

We don't.

Until we do, and that is laughable, we'd be best to leave it all in God's mighty hands!

 

THIS STORM

Today's reading: Psalm 57-59

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past." Psalm 57:1 NLT

There is no place safer than in God's care.

When the winds whip and howl...

When the thunder booms...

When the lightning dances with spark across the sky...

When the waves crash...

When all around you shakes and sways against the power of the storm...

God remains.

Still. Stalwart. Secure. Steadfast. Stationary. Safe.  

HARD PRAYERS

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15-19

"...David prayed, O Lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!" 2 Samuel 15:31 NLT

I heard a quote one time that said, 'Until you're praying hard prayers, you're not really praying.'

We open the pages of Scripture today to see David having to pray a hard prayer over his beloved son, Absalom.

Absalom had turned against his father--and against God.

David knew that the only way Absalom would be defeated was if God had a hand in it.

David prayed a hard prayer over his favored boy-- Lord, give him bad advice.

Advice that would cause Absalom's defeat.

Counsel that would lead him to destruction.

Guidance that would reveal God's perfect plan.

Those prayers are hard to pray and even harder to watch unfold in the lives of those we love.

But how else will sinfulness be halted and the glory of God revealed?

Who in your life needs a few hard prayers prayed over them?

 

YOUR PART

Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

"The Lord said to Moses, Tell the people of Israel that everyone who wants to may bring me an offering. Here is a list of items you may accept on my behalf: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen; goat hair for cloth; tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; onyx stones, and other stones to be set in the ephod and chestpiece." Exodus 25:1-7 NLT

Imagine approaching the finished Tabernacle and seeing the piece of fine linen you had donated hanging on one of the bronze posts.

Think about noticing your prized onyx stone sparkling in the chestpiece of the priest as he walks by you.

Consider the blood, sweat and tears you poured into the flock of rams you raised, fed, nurtured and gave to the tanner for making the skins needed for the outer covering of the Tent of the Lord.

Ponder the blisters you received as you chopped the acacia trees for the structure to be built upon.

Contemplate how thrilled your great-grandmother might have been to know the gold bangle she had bequeathed to you was now melted and spun into gold thread embroidering the curtains swaying in the breeze.

Wouldn't it give you a sense of belonging? A feeling of investment? A visual reminder that you are a part of the bigger, grander, greater Kingdom of God?

I'm sure it did each and every one of the Israelites that had given what they had and what they could to the Lord.

And it does for us as we give to Him out of our storehouses of blessing. The storehouses He has stocked.

LIFE GOALS

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"...Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God's plan for us..." 2 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

There are a whole lot of valedictorians across the nation  polishing up the speeches they will give at their respective graduation ceremonies.

They want to be witty. They want to be straight forward. They want to give speeches that will be remembered and that will honor their memory for years to come.

They want to inspire. They hope to guide. They will fill their listeners' ears with encouraging words.

None more encouraging and success-building than the words in today's Scripture.

Shouldn't it be our goal, each and every one of us, to live inside the boundaries God has planned for us.

Not to push the envelope and venture outside of His will.

Not to end our lives having come short of achieving all He has for us in this life.

But to be in the center of His will and plan for who He created us to be, those He purposed us to reach for Him and honoring Him all along the way.

It's a goal for us all, no matter how long ago we walked across a stage wearing a graduation cap and gown.

STAYING

Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"He stayed at the Temple until his term of service was over, and then he returned home." Luke 1:23 NLT

Are you an impatient person?

Do you want things done, and want them done right now?

Do you struggle with waiting?

Same.

This verse, in the middle of the account of Zechariah, Elizabeth and the soon-to-come John the Baptist, reminds me that sometimes, waiting is just what God wants.

You see, Zechariah received a visit from an angel.

This angel gave him great news.

This angel's news was so good, Zechariah couldn't hardly believe it.

As hard as the angelic information was for him to process, he still had a job to do--priest.

So Zechariah stayed put. He fulfilled his allotted duties and served his 'tour of duty', then went home to share with Elizabeth all the angel had said.

Don't you think it was hard for him to wait? Hard for him to stay? Hard for him to focus on what it was he was supposed to be doing?

Sometimes God gives us grand ideas, spectacular concepts, wonderful plans--and then asks us to wait for Him to give us the 'green light'.

At the proper time...

When all the pieces are in order...

When the appropriate people are in place...

Maybe you are in this 'staying' place. Rest assured, you haven't been forgotten. His plans are greater than yours. You can wait it out. It's going to be good! 

DAY AND NIGHT

Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-36

"Then this message came to Jeremiah from the Lord: If you can break my covenant with the day and the night so that they do not come on their usual schedule, only then will my covenant with Davis, my servant, be broken. Only then will he no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne. The same is true for my covenant with the Levitical priests who minister before me. And as the stars cannot be counted and the sand on the seashores cannot be measured, so I will multiply the descendants of David, my servant, and the Levites who minister before me." Jeremiah 33:19-22 NLT

Feeling as if God has forgotten all about you?

You, His redeemed...

You, His child...

You, His chosen...

You, His beloved...

Not a chance!

As a believer, follower, disciple, son or daughter, He has not and will not ever forget about you.

These verses remind us of that!

No more than we could ever break God's covenant in a way that would stop the sun from rising and setting or the moon from rising in the night sky, could we ever be forgotten by our Lord!

So settle it in your mind--God has not forgotten about you.

He can't.

He won't.

He hasn't!

GOD'S VOICE

Today's reading: Job 37-38

"God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of His power." Job 37:5 NLT

Whether it be in the rolling thunder of a storm or in the quiet of an early morning, God's voice is glorious.

Comforting.

Convicting.

Guiding.

Revealing.

Instructive.

Correcting.

His voice booms with power and yet it also soothes with peace.

May we all stop long enough in our day ahead to pause and listen for His voice. 

THIS I KNOW

Today's reading: Psalm 54-56

"...This I know: God is on my side." Psalm 56:9 NLT

I cannot explain to you the theologies of the Bible.

I cannot debate the doctrines of Scripture.

I cannot put into words the relationship I have with my Savior.

But, this I know: God is on my side!

It's a statement of faith I repeat to myself often.

It's a heartfelt knowing I stand on.

It's a testimony of absolute dependence upon His grace and mercy,

This I know: God is on my side! 

YOU ARE THAT MAN

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-14

"Then Nathan said to David, You are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says, I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. I gave you his house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed?.." 2 Samuel 12:7-10 NLT 

Nathan was speaking to David about his sins.

The details are there in Scripture--lust, adultery, murder.

But the real sin, the sin that David committed, the sin that David was being faced with was this: he didn't think God was enough.

He didn't think all that God had given him was enough.

He needed 'one more thing'.

And in order to get that 'one more thing', he connived, he stole, he coveted and he killed.

The question God has laid on my heart this morning is this...

How often am I 'that man'?

How many times, in any given day, do I feel God isn't enough and take matters into my own hands?

When is it I 'steal, kill, lie and destroy' the relationship with my Father in order to get something He has that's just out of my reach?

He has given me enough. More than enough. And He is willing to give me more, much more...but in my impatience and self-centeredness, I often am not willing to wait for Him to give it and I try to take it on my own.

I need to see where I am 'that man' and seek God's forgiveness. Do you as well?

NO MORE BRIBES
Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe always hurts the cause of the person who is in the right." Exodus 23:8 NLT

Wanting to verify that I knew the definition of a bribe, I consulted Mr. Webster.

Bribe-money, favor or other consideration given in exchange for one's influence against what is true, right or just.

How quickly I said, in my heart, I don't take bribes!

I'm not like a politician selling my votes to the highest bidder.

I'm not being swayed to one side or the other of a trial.

I'm not having my decisions purchased by anyone--

Or am I?

How often does my enemy 'bait' me with comfort, entitlement or ease throughout any given day?

How many times, in any given day, does what he offers cause me to ignore what I clearly see, know or want?

How little does it take for that 'roaring lion' to hurt the cause of Christ in my life by offering a 'quick fix' or a 'just once' or a 'you deserve it'?

This verse, and slowing down to chew on it, has opened my eyes to the bribes I am letting bruise my walk with the Lord.

No more bribes for me, thanks.

 

PROVING OURSELVES

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 6-8

"We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT

How do people know you are a believer, follower, redeemed of the One True God?

Is it by the number of Bibles you have on a bookshelf, or in the backseat of the car?

Is it by the variety of Christian t-shirts you wear around town?

Is it by the verses you have memorized or the doctrines you can debate?

By the church committees you are on? The frequency of your attendance at church? The checks you write to the ministries your house of worship support?

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that our proof is in our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love and the powerful works of the Holy Spirit within us.

This single verse is making me wonder if anyone knows of my relationship with the Living God based upon my actions, my attitude and my attention to others.

This 'checklist' is a harder one to pull off in society than being busy about the Father's work.

This evidence is more about what's going on in my heart, than what I'm doing with my hands or have stockpiled in my home.

May we all consider just how it is others know, really and truly know, of our personal walks with the Lord.

TELL THEM

Today's reading: Mark 15-16

"It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and found the disciples, who were grieving and weeping. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn't believe her." Mark 16:9-11 NLT

Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb and received the command from the angel (Mark 16:7) to go and tell that Jesus was risen from the dead. 

The angel did not tell her to convince everyone that Jesus was alive.

The angel did not tell her it was up to her to persuade anyone of Jesus's resurrection.

The angel did not give her pointers about how to win them over or bring them around to her way of thinking with 3 easy steps.

The angel did not even give her stamped affidavits that confirmed Jesus's life in order that she satisfy any fact seekers.

The angel told her to tell them.

To tell them what she saw.

To tell them was she was told.

To tell them that the tomb was empty!

Tell them is our command today.

We get anxious, nervous and sweaty palmed when we consider that we might have to convince someone of something we cannot fully grasp ourselves--but our command is merely to tell!

Tell the world that your Savior lives. Tell the lost that you once were lost, too--but are now saved to the uttermost. Tell those you love about the One who loved you enough to die on a cross for you.

Just tell them!

THANKSGIVING IN MAY

Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-31

"By my great power I have made the earth and all its people and every animal. I can give these things of mine to anyone I choose." Jeremiah 27:5 NLT

Think of all our good, good God has given to you.

Consider the blessings He has bestowed upon your life.

Take time all throughout your day to thank Him--yes, in May, for all He has blessed you with.

We shouldn't wait until Thanksgiving to tell Him 'thanks'. His goodness is too great to be confined to one month of the year. 

ILLUSTRATIONS OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS

Today's reading: Job 35-36

"I will give you many illustrations of the righteousness of my Creator." Job 36:3 NLT

Ever thought about just how right (righteous) our God is?

Ever considered the ways in which He has shown His greatness to us, in our day to day lives?

Ever needed a list to remind you of how trustworthy and faithful He is?

How about this short collection of illustrations...

-God's perfect nature exhibits His righteousness.

-God's patience in dealing with humanity showcases His righteousness.

-God's gracious provision of salvation through His Son, Jesus, displays His righteousness.

-God's constant presence in our lives flaunts His righteousness.

-God's constant and continual control of past, present and future demonstrates His righteousness.

-God's redeeming love for all mankind reveals His righteousness against the backdrop of our sinfulness.

God's right-ness is what elicits worship in our hearts and lives. It's what convicts us and draws us into His perfect plan of salvation. It's what keeps us humbled before the King who welcomes us into His throneroom through prayer.

Praise the Righteous King!

 TEACHING

Today's reading: Psalm 51-53

"Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you." Psalm 51:12-13 NLT

The best teachers are those who provide information to you in such a way that makes you want more of it for yourself.

For me, it was Mrs. Morthland and her reading class; or Mr. Warren and his excitement over physical science; or Mrs. Blackwood and her enthusiasm over algebra--well, at least she tried.

Each of them (with the exception of Mrs. Blackwood) grabbed my attention and presented their facts in such a way that made me want to know all they knew, study what they studied and learn more about what they were so excited about.

Shouldn't it be the same for our Christian walks?

I want enough Jesus to make me thrilled, excited and overflowing with all He's done for me--so much so that I cannot keep it to myself!

Have you recently asked the Lord to restore the joy of His salvation over your life so that you can 'teach' His way to those who don't know Him yet?

 FAIR

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5-9

"David reigned over all Israel and was fair to everyone." 2 Samuel 8:15 NLT

Ever said, even as an adult, 'This is not fair!'?

I don't know about you, but I usually say it when I don't get my way, in a whiney child-like voice and most often with a pouty lip.

To think about David, king of Israel, being fair to every one is hard for me to believe.

Because in so many instances, when life is fair to one person, it isn't to the other.

All issues cannot be divided evenly, like a cookie to be shared among kids.

All agreements cannot be settled to where both parties are tickled pink, the union and the worker seldom both get all they believe they deserve.

All parties do not leave every negotiating table having been given equal settlements.

Do you realize that ONLY God is fair?

Only He sees the whole picture, holds all the cards and knows how each and every story ends. He knows hearts and sees the intention behind each and every ask and action.

God is the exact reason it can be stated that David was fair to everyone--he was acting through the leading of God!

May we be known as people who seek Him out for guidance in each and every decision we make today and tomorrow--to His glory!

 WE CAN TRUST HIM

Today's reading: Exodus 17-20

"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth, for all the earth belongs to me." Exodus 19:4-5 NLT

Two reasons why we can trust the Lord?

1. History.

2. Ability.

He has...done so many miraculous, loving, sacrificial things for us!

He has...at His disposal all we could ever need, power over all things and absolute control!

I needed the reminder this morning, maybe you did, too.

 MORE AND MORE ALIVE

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 3-4

"That is why we never give up! Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." 2 Corinthians 3:16 NLT

A heart-deep thought crossed my mind as I read this Scripture...

As believers, the closer we get to death--the closer we get to really living!

It's true.

Our lives, our purpose, our hope, our reward lies in all that heaven and the presence of God will give us.

Are we to enjoy life as we know it--living, loving, breathing, walking and talking--of course, we are!

But things will only get better for us as Christians when this life is over.

The closer we inch to death, the more and more alive we are becoming.

Live life to the fullest in this life in preparation for all we will experience in the next.

 OPPORTUNITY

Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"But when these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues. You will be accused before governors and kings of being my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me." Mark 13:9 NLT

The word 'opportunity' jumped off the pages of my Bible this morning as I read this portion of Scripture.

Jesus is telling His disciples that tough times are coming.

He is explaining to them that they will be accused, condemned and beaten for being His.

He is letting them know, ahead of time, that it will be during these harshest moments of their lives they will find opportunity to speak of Him.

In the hardest times?

When life seems unfair...unkind...unlovely?

When we're sitting in the waiting room of the doctor's office?

When we're standing in the unemployment line?

When we're selling off everything we own just to get the bills paid?

When we're sweeping up dashed plans and broken dreams?

Those precise times are when we have an audience--a crowd of onlookers waiting to see IF what we've claimed to believe on the sunshine-y days remains the same when dark clouds gather overhead.

These opportunities won't be postponed until the 'end times', they are occurring every single day of our lives.

Are you taking them? Are you making the most of the opportunities God is providing to you?

ARE YOU LISTENING?

Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

"When you were prosperous, I warned you, but you replied, Don't bother me. Since childhood you have been that way--you simply will not listen!" Jeremiah 22:21 NLT

How good are you at listening?

Not just hearing, but listening?

My prayer this morning is that I, come along if you feel led, need to listen more intently to the Lord--His guidance, His direction, His commands and His promptings.

I want to not only hear God more clearly, I want to listen to and obey all He says to me.

When I remember that He desires to make me Jesus-like, to use me to grow His kingdom, to enjoy a life full of the goodness of His blessings--why wouldn't I listen to every word He speaks to me?

Am I listening, or do I think I know better than the Lord?

 

RESCUED FROM THE GRAVE

Today's reading: Job 33-34

"God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light." Job 33:28 NLT

What's your testimony?

How did you come to know Jesus as your personal Savior? When did you ask Him to save you from your sins? When did you kneel at an altar and accept His gift of salvation?

Our testimonies are all different.

Some of us were truly snatched from deathbeds into life.

Some of us hold the testimony of having been 'kept' in His fold, never wandering.

Some of us came to know Christ at a young age, and some of us after the years of life had hardened our hearts.

No matter your story, the very same God rescued you from the grave!

He gave Jesus in order that death not be the consequence to be paid for our sins.

And now?

Now we are filled with the light!

A light that should welcome, beckon and direct others to this saving knowledge we ourselves have found. 

THE CIRCLE OF WORSHIP

Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple." Psalm 48:9 NLT

Ever thought about the circle of worship?

We think about God's love for us.

That very thought brings our hearts' knees to bow before Him in worship.

That worship gives us pause to consider more ways He has loved us.

Those thoughts take us deeper and longer into worshiping who He is.

It's a cycle.

But it all starts with stopping long enough to think about God--and not about ourselves.

To consider His greatness, His goodness, His care and His love.

It begins with an intentional heart--and in that intentional pause, the circle begins. 

THE PROBLEM WITH FEAR
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

"When Ishbosheth heard about Abner's death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and his people were paralyzed with fear." 2 Samuel 4:1 NLT

Ishbosheth had been a fan of Abner's.

He stood by him. He served him. He rode on Ishbosheth's coattails. He, well, he worshiped him. 

So when Abner was killed, Ishbosheth didn't know what to do.

Ever found yourself in that spot?

Things change...

Circumstances flip-flop...

Someone leaves...

Plans go awry...

The Scriptures tell us Ishbosheth lost all courage and was paralyzed with fear.

Those are side effects of wrongly placed emotions and admiration.

Had Ishbosheth placed his confidence and value in the Lord--things would never have changed for him.

It's a lesson for us all.

A lesson I'm not believing to be haphazard in it's timing for my life and heart. You see, tomorrow begins the ministry of a new pastor at our church. The previous pastor had served 24 years--and well, I've got to admit I was a huge fan of his. There are plenty of emotions involved with the change at hand. This Scripture will be a reminder to me of the simple fact: pastors have changed, God has not!

WHEN I AM FINISHED

Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"When I am finished with Pharoah and his army, all Egypt will know that I am the Lord!" Exodus 14:18 NLT

Friend, when God chooses to make Himself seen--everyone will see Him!

In the case of the Egyptians, there is no doubt that by the end of the Israelites' stay with them, they had seen the hand of God in their midst.

From frogs, to gnats, to hailstones, to darkness, to water that was turned into blood, to a Death Angel passing over the land--God made Himself very evident.

And now, in Exodus 14, God appears again as He allows His people to cross safely through the middle of the Red Sea on dry land!

The Egyptians, those who were left alive, certainly had something to talk about.

The same is true for the situation you find yourself in today.

As hard as it might seem...

As tough as it is...

As surely as you'd like to be done with it...

As scary as it might be...

If you look, child of God, you will see Him in it and you will know He is the Lord.

And not only will you know--those around you, even the unbelieving, will know that God has appeared.

 

SEEING THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away." 2 Corinthians 3:16 NLT

Salvation, and the relationship it begins with God, gives us different 'glasses' with which to see the world.

The things you once thought were okay, are no longer seen as right, or good or profitable to your new way of life.

The ways you used to conduct yourself are no longer appropriate for a son or daughter whose sins have been forgiven as far as the east is from the west.

The words you once allowed to come out of your mouth no longer seem fitting for someone representing your Savior and Friend.

The way you see things no longer lines up with what the world says is acceptable and popular because for all intents and purposes, your audience now consists of One.

The veil that God lifts impacts every aspect of our lives--the emotional, the mental, the physical and the spiritual.

THOSE TWO COINS

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies." Mark 12:42 NLT

Were you aware that there were 13 trumpet-shaped offering boxes in the Temple at Jesus's time?

Did you know that it is estimated that on average the Temple might see up to 20,000+ congregants on any given day--more, many more on Sabbath and even more than that on holy days?

Or that the Temple itself took up about 1/6th of the area of Jerusalem, or about 34 acres?

With those facts in mind, the very fact that Jesus noticed the poor widow woman that day is remarkable!

That particular day.

That particular offering box.

That particular woman.

That particular moment.

His particular remarks about her being recorded for us to read today.

For me, it's another reminder of His being involved in the smallest details of my own life.

My needs. My trials. My heartaches. My temptations. My desires. My thoughts. 

WHERE YOU ARE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, Go down to the shop where clay pots and jars are made. I will speak to you while you are there." Jeremiah 18:1-2 NLT

Jeremiah, the busy prophet, was asked by God to go to the pottery shop.

In the middle of his busy ministry...

While Judah was in a spiritual decline...

When there were SO many other things Jeremiah could be doing...

But Jeremiah went.

He took time out of his busy prophesying schedule to do what God asked.

Why?

Because God promised to speak to him there.

Would you go? Just to hear God's words? To hear what He had to say to you? Do you desire His instruction that much?

Your Bible offers the same promise-God will speak to you in its pages.

Your current season of life does the same thing--God will speak to you while you're in it.

Your present circumstances are also opportunities for you to hear the Lord--even those not ideal.

God promises to speak to His people.

Are His people, are we, willing to seek Him out? 

IMPACT

Today's reading: Job 31-32

"My servants have never let others go hungry." Job 31:31 NLT

As Job was defending himself among his 'friends', he stated this profound truth: His servants had never let others go hungry.

Seems odd to add to a debate?

A little off subject in his life of defense?

What did his servants have to do with anything Job was going through?

But think about it...

Job's faith, his lifestyle, his character traits and his beliefs had been so visible that even his servants had been impacted by them--to the point, they too, carried out the same practices.

Isn't that what we would all like?

To see our walks with the Lord influence those who follow us?

To watch as our kids carry on the faith practices they saw us live out?

To know that our faith went farther than the work of our own hands and into the next generation...and the next...and the next?

Job had influenced people for the Lord. 

Will we? 

EVEN IF

Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." Psalm 46:2 NLT

Do you have an 'even if' kind of faith?

Let me restate that, is the relationship you have with the Lord truly faith-based--a relationship that remains 'even if' things don't go as you want?

Do you love Him 'even if' He doesn't answer prayers the way you want them answered?

Do you trust Him 'even if' no signs indicate that He is moving?

Do you follow Him 'even if' the way isn't clear, isn't laid out, isn't down a smooth, rose-lined path?

That's what He wants between the two of you.

 

NOTHING WAS MISSING

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"Nothing was missing; small or great, son or daughter, nor anything else that had been taken. David brought everything back." 1 Samuel 30:19 NLT

Of all the battles David fought throughout Scripture, none capture my attention more than his battle in 1 Samuel 30 with the Amalekites.

It has some personal interest to David, as his 2 wives were taken captive.

It has community interest to David's fighting men, as their wives and children were taken hostage.

It has spiritual interest to David, as he had been following God's orders while he and his men had been gone.

It has historical interest to me, as the words recorded in regards to David and his military strength, his godly example and his trust in the One True God, remind me that that same God can be trusted.

You see, I have some loved ones that are currently in captivity--taken hostage by sin.

At one point, some day, after prayer and fasting and waiting on God's perfect timing, all who have been taken will come back to the Lord.

No one will be missing.

Small or great.

Young or old.

Son or daughter.

God will bring everything back.

FREEDOM

Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

"...Let my people go, so they can worship me." Exodus 9:1 NLT

I don't guess I'd ever noticed it.

In all the times I've read through the Bible, I'd never seen it.

My eye never paused long enough to grasp this simple truth: God's purposes for His people (then and now) is freedom.

Each and every plague was sent with the same message to Pharoah, Let my people go, so they can worship me.

Release them from slavery.

Liberate them from oppression.

Loose the ties that bind them to anything but Me.

Free them from  captivity.

Isn't that what God still wants for us today?

To be free from what keeps our focus from being entirely and wholeheartedly on Him?

He knows how easily we step into slavery of the heart. He is fully aware of how the little things can capture our attention. He realizes how needy and greedy we are and how these desires allow us to be conned into masters of our own choosing.

But God wants freedom for us. 

Have you asked Him to help you be released from anything and everything that ties your heart to anything but Him?

VICTORY

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT

Resurrection Sunday just reminded us of the power of Christ over death, hell and the grave.

Hymns soothe our earthbound bodies with lyrics that sing about heaven.

We live, as believers in the One True God, knowing these human shells will be transformed when we slip from this life to the eternal one to follow.

The victory over death stirs our souls and fuels our faith.

But what about the power over sin?

Don't you think we often overlook the power God has given us over all things that cause us to stumble, seek to distract us from our faith walks, create a barrier between us and God?

We, as His, have power over sin.

We have been given strength, by God, to overcome any and all temptations that come before us.

We stand triumphant over all our enemy uses as a deterrent to a God-full life.

When we choose to access that power, claim that power, stand on that power.

Oh, how we should thank God for the victory He has given us over sin and death!
 

LACKING ONLY ONE THING

Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him, You lack only one thing, he told him..." Mark 10:21 NLT

The young man Jesus spoke to that day in Mark 10 had wealth and power--the Scripture refers to him, in my Bible, as the rich young ruler.

He had knowledge--he had heard about Jesus and chose to seek him out.

He had his health--or he wouldn't have ran up to Jesus that particular day.

He lacked only one thing--Jesus.

Do you know people like that?

They have the world in their pockets, they have positions of power, they have knowledge that could fill books, they have their wealth and they have their health.

But do they have Jesus?

Do they have Him as Master and Lord of their lives?

Do they know Him as Friend?

Are they recipients of His gift of salvation?

Today my heart is led to pray for the friends and loved ones of mine who seemingly have it all--yet lack one thing, one very important thing--knowing my Jesus.

 ANY NATION

Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"But any nation who refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 12:17 NLT

I have to believe that when God says, ANY, He really and truly means ANY.

Any nation that refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed.

That excludes no nation and that covers any nation.

He doesn't just say any middle eastern nation.

He doesn't exempt poor nations.

He doesn't give special allowances for nations which were hard fought for, speak the English language or have a history of godliness in their founding fathers.

Any nation, the United States of America included, who refuses to obey God will be uprooted and destroyed.

Oh, that our nation would turn completely to the Lord before He follows through on His promise.

THERE ARE DAYS

Today's reading: Job 29-30

"I cry to you, O God, but you don't answer me. I stand before you, and you don't bother to look. You have become cruel toward me. You persecute me with your great power. You throw me into the whirlwind and destroy me in the storm." Job 30:20-22 NLT

To compare any of our toughest days against those of Job are like comparing our first world problems to those of poor, destitute folks living in third world countries.

No comparison.

But there are days, wouldn't you agree?

There are days when God doesn't seem to listen.

There are days when the hits just keep on coming.

There are days when we feel as if God has turned His back on us.

There are days when we don't feel He is being fair.

There are days when it feels as if God has grabbed us by the scruff of our neck and thrown us headlong into the storm.

On these days, let's do what Job did--continue to call out to God.

Continue to speak to our Savior.

Continue to pray to the One who does hear, does love, does answer.

Because we know He does--despite how we feel.