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.

 

IT IS YOU

Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name." Psalm 44:6-8 NLT

I don't know about you, but I have found several things I 'counted on', to be flimsy at best when the time came I needed to lean on them.

Money. Grit. Determination. Control. Friends. Knowledge. 

I don't trust those things any more. In trusting them, I was giving them too much power over my life and placing too many expectations upon them.

On the best of days, these all came up lacking.

But God?

Never has He let me down. I've seen too many of His miracles, I've watched as He stepped in time and time again, I've witnessed Him work things out that were tangled knots.

It is God I give all glory and praise to! It is God on whom I lean and depend!

PLEASE TELL ME

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

"...O Lord, God of Israel, please tell me." 1 Samuel 23:11 NLT

In this verse David seeks the Lord's guidance.

But to know the importance of his ask, you must know a little background...

David was a hunted man.

King Saul had begun scouring the land for David in order to kill him.

David was considered the scourge of the earth by those still loyal to Saul and he could trust no one.

David wanted to do right by God, and right by Saul--and David wanted to stay alive.

So in the running for his life...

In the hiding out from his enemy...

In the constantly watching his back...

In the living in the shadows...

David pauses to seek the Lord for direction.

Do we do that? Do we seek God for the next step, the right choice, the proper response or godly decision? 

Oh, we're busy. We are overwhelmed with things to do. We are flittering from one task to the next. We are serving on committees, serving our families, serving our Lord--but are we pausing long enough to ask Hid guidance?

Please tell me, David asked. 

A good example for us all.

MULTIPLY MIRACLES

Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"But I will cause Pharoah to be stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." Exodus 7:3 NLT

I get discouraged when my prayers are not answered.

My faith wavers.

My hope sinks.

When I watch things continue on as before, no progress being made and situations going from bad to worse, I begin to question God's love for me and His desire to help me out.

But as I read in Exodus this morning, in regards to Moses being sent to talk to Pharoah, I am encouraged!

You see, God told Moses to expect Pharoah to say 'no'.

He told Moses to expect Pharoah not to listen.

He told Moses to expect Pharoah's stubborn streak to shine.

Why did God send Moses on such a mission, give him such dire news, and still insist he obey?

So that God's miraculous signs and wonders would shine even more brightly!

Maybe that's what I need to consider as I watch my prayers go unanswered.

It changes the focus of my heart and mind from what's undone to how marvelous and awe-inspiring it will be when God sets the answers in motion.

It makes me quit thinking, 'When are these prayers ever going to be answered?', to 'I can't wait to see just how God chooses to display His glory in this grand mess!'

Friend, if God's been invited into the circumstance, we have to know the outcome is going to be good!

FIVE UNDERSTANDABLE WORDS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"But in a church meeting I would much rather speak five understandable words that will help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language." 1 Corinthians 14:19 NLT

I'll be quite honest here.

When I first read this verse my mind immediately went to some of the biggest, church-iest words I could think of...

Sanctification.

Redemption.

Righteousness.

Propitiation.

But when I read this verse for the second and third time, God spoke to my heart.

Not audibly.

Not through a talking donkey or the angel Gabriel.

He spoke to me through a little nudge. 

He leaned in and let me know that my most helpful, life-giving and love-filled words might be more common than impressive. 

Everyday, kind words.

Words of intention, hope and encouragement.

There's nothing wrong with 'church words', but sometimes, in a whole lot of situations, God speaks more loudly through us when we use the words that spark conversation, relationship and friendliness. Like...

Hello.

Welcome.

Praying for you.

I'm here for you.

Look for opportunities to insert your 'five words' into the conversations you have today!

EVERYTHING

Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news, for they were completely amazed. Again and again they said, Everything he does is wonderful. He even heals those who are deaf and mute." Mark 7:36-37 NLT

The amazed crowds that followed Jesus were highly impressed by his miracles. They ate on the bread and fish he provided from a little boy's lunch. They left behind crutches they no longer needed. Their seeing eye dogs were retired out of service.

There words were, Everything he does is wonderful.

And they believed it.

Until they didn't.

What he did was amazing, what he said brought about conviction.

The miracles he performed were astounding, how he asked them to live was radical.

The love in his eyes and in his voice drew them close, what he required they leave behind tore at their hearts.

The way he lived intrigued them, but the traditions he asked them to give up crossed the line.

What about you? 

Do you stand in amazement, or are you bristling with conviction, refusing to give up your little idols, standing arms crossed in absolute defiance of what he is asking of you?

How easily we can go from one extreme to the other, wouldn't you agree? 

AN AVERAGE TUESDAY

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie and worship Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, We are safe!--only to go right back to all those evils again?" Jeremiah 7:9-10 NLT

It's an average Tuesday here on the farm.

I have nothing of great importance written on today's planner page. No really exciting adventures on the docket. No long lists of to-do's or errands to run.

As I read, and re-read, God's words to Jeremiah, I think it's these average and ordinary days God  is talking to His people about.

The days that they are not 'in His presence'.

The days they are not dressed up in their Sunday best.

The days they are not sitting in a pew, singing in the choir or carrying their Bible under their arm.

It's the ordinary, going-about-our-usual-life, days He is referring to...

The days we aren't with God's people, but mingling with the world.

The days we aren't dressed to impress, but not wearing robes of righteousness either.

The days we aren't singing His praises with the congregation, but humming along with secular music we don't agree with.

The days we aren't bringing offerings to His house, but offering up ourselves to our little gods.

It's the 'average Tuesdays' that are changed by last Sunday and forecasting next Sunday.

Do we really think what we do through the week doesn't affect our worship?

Do we really believe our Monday through Saturday doesn't impact our Sunday?

What if we lived lives that were as worship-filled, prayer-focused, Bible-dependent and God-honoring on average Tuesdays as they are on Sundays?

BANKING YOUR TREASURES

Today's reading: Job 27-28

"Evil people may have all the money in the world, and they may store away mounds of clothing. But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide all that money. The houses built by the wicked are as fragile as spiderwebs, as flimsy as a shelter made of branches." Job 27:16-18 NLT

Where is it you are storing up all your treasures?

Treasures--the things that mean the most to you. Valuable items to your heart.

If you are 'banking your treasures' in this world, you will one day find that others will have what you have stockpiled for a rainy day.

The fancy home--another will one day live in, completely remodel--or sell.

The title you're attempting to attain--there will always be someone of higher rank, deserving more respect and having achieved a degree with more 'letters' behind their name than yours.

The money you are saving up for a rainy day--can vanish in the blink of a stock market, the collapse of a bank or the wily investment of a trusted counselor.

The children you are preening to be all, do all and have all you never had--have their own free wills and are created for their own purposes, and may or may not follow the paths you have blazed for them.

So the things you are saving for, or investing your time and energy into--unless those things are held in heavenly places, invested in Kingdom advances or hold more spiritual value than earthly worth--may be as flimsy as a spiderweb.

 

MY ONLY HOPE

Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"...My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 40:11 NLT

As I sit waiting for the sun to come up on this Resurrection Sunday, I feel the weightiness of the words of this verse.

My-it's personal!

Only-no other god, no other way!

Hope-a reason to continue, to look forward, to not be drowned in past regret!

Is-present tense!

In-entirely, completely, utterly!

Your-not mine, but Yours, Lord!

Unfailing-hasn't once let me down!

Love-real love, not commercial, not the kind sold in advertising, not dependent at all upon me!

And-as if Your love were not enough!

Faithfulness-how true and dependable and worthy of my wholehearted trust You are! 

The sun isn't up yet, but I know it's going to rise.

The sins I struggle with aren't 'out of my system' yet, but I know they are covered by Your blood.

This world is a hard, dark place, but because of You, I needn't plan on staying here.

The love you showed for me on Calvary overwhelms my soul!

THE WAY YOU DO

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"...The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do..." 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

I don't know about you, but I needed that reminder today.

You see, while I sit around expecting to see God work in 'this way', I tend to miss out on His works going on all around me!

I pray for specific answers, and consider a prayer unanswered if He doesn't respond in my pre-prayed way.

I present God with a distinct plan of action, and sit cross-legged in my prayer chair until it happens.

I provide a complete set of parameters in which I desire God work, and when He doesn't perform to my expectations--well, I teeter on the edge of amazingly surprised and audaciously appalled that He didn't follow my suggestions.

Oh, I don't think I'm the only one whose faith walk looks like that.

That's why I needed the reminder of His ways being different-better-wiser-more well thought out-than my own!

GETTING YOUR ATTENTION

Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"When the Lord saw that he had caught Moses' attention, God called to him from the bush, Moses! Moses!..." Exodus 3:4 NLT

What would it take for you to notice the Lord today?

Might it be something miraculously grand?

Something heartbreakingly humbling?

Something that stops you in your pre-planned tracks?

Something in nature? Something unnatural?

It's when He catches our attention that things happen--things in our hearts and minds and things in His kingdom for which He desires us to be a part.

Look for Him.

Seek Him out.

Still yourself so that you will notice Him.

 

DIFFERENT WAYS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us." 1 Corinthians 12:6 NLT

If you've been on the church scene long enough, you've noticed God doesn't answer prayers in the same way every time.

For some, the blessings of life are tangible stockpiles of goods and funds, for others His blessings aren't ones that can be held in one's hands.

For some, He does provide healing on this side of heaven, for others He waits to grant it in heaven.

For some, the answers to prayer come as 'Amen' is said, for others there is a long, very long, prayer season required.

For some, spiritual growth comes in leaps and bounds, for others it is a slow, gradual trek up a seemingly long, hill.

For some, understanding of the Scripture is second nature, for others it takes a more elementary approach to grasping the truths of God.

What we see across the board is that God reveals Himself.

He is always found by those who seek Him.

His blessings always fall on His people.

He always answers those who pray to Him.

He always grows those who desire to know Him better.

The how and the when vary according to what He deems appropriate and most effective on a person to person basis.

It is often a mystery to see how He works, but we can know without a doubt it is the same God working in all our lives!

WHO TOUCHED MY CLOTHES?

Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, Who touched my clothes?" Mark 5:30 NLT

I don't know about you, but I have quite the long prayer list of people, circumstances and decisions that needs to be answered.

Spiritual needs.

Physical ailments.

Emotional baggage that needs released--and not picked back up again.

Opportunities that sound great, but I want clarity as to His will and the direction I need to take.

Prayer needs.

There is peace in asking God about these needs. A restfulness that comes over my spirit as I roll these burdens off my heart and onto His strong shoulders.

But as I read this passage, about the woman with the issue of blood, and consider the great lengths she went to in order to merely touch the hem of Jesus's garment--I wonder, is pray all He is asking me to do?

Could it be He is waiting for me, for you, for more of us, to reach out and take hold of His power?

Might He be wanting to see the lengths we will go to in order to be closer to Him?

What effort on our part is anxious to see us make?

Is He just waiting to ask the church crowd again, Who touched my clothes?

 

EXCUSES

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"The Lord gave me a message. He said, I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world. O Sovereign Lord, I said, I can't speak for you! I'm too young! Don't say that the Lord replied, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 1:4-7 NLT

I can't speak for you! I'm too young!

I can't share the Good News! I'm not very well versed in it!

I can't tell my neighbor my testimony! I'm still not perfect!

I can't stand and speak! I'm not a good talker!

I can't volunteer to serve in the church! I'm not as good as Sister So-And-So!

Are you seeing a pattern here?

We, as God's creation, are quite adept at being able to provide an excuse for why we can't, won't, or shouldn't fulfill the purpose He created us for.

We offer reasons as to why someone else should be selected for the task.

We provide long lists of our inadequacies.

We tell the Lord, in so many words, that He is silly for even asking us.

We tend to live with an excuse on the tip of our tongue at all times.

The thing is--

God is fully aware of who you are, what abilities you have, your past and your tendency to royally mess things up--and still asks you to tell others of Him!

How about, just for today, we stop with the excuses?

THE MINOR THINGS
Today's reading: Job 25-26

"These are some of the minor things he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14 NLT

Spring is springing around here.

The skies are bluer. The clouds fluffier. The landscape is painted with varying hues of green.

The woods are sprinkled with pops of color as the dogwoods and redbud trees bloom amidst the leafless trees.

Easter flowers are decorating landscaped areas, old farmsteads and the sides of ditches.

Another season is approaching with all the splendor and awe is deserves.

But as Job said, These things are the minor things He does!

A changing season, the greening of the grass, color from winter's drab--all but a mere whisper of His power.

God's power is most vividly seen in the life of a saved, born again, covered in grace believer.

And still, in the redeeming of life, in the forgiving of sin, in the removing of guilt, in the rescue from death, in the gift of eternity--we still only catch a glimpse of the power our loving God holds!

It's a season in which He allows us to see a few of the minor displays of His power.
 

COMMIT

Today's reading: Psalm 36-38

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:5 NLT

A commentary I read says this:

'Psalm 37:5 invites you to roll every aspect of life onto the Lord, deliberately entrust it to His faithful care, then rest in confident expectation that He will act. Surrender leads to trust, and trust positions you to witness God’s decisive, faithful intervention.'

To give over.

To pass on.

To entrust.

When I think about the God of all--all He is capable of, all the power He holds, all He has done perfectly, timely and to our utter amazement--I should find this an easy task.

But committing everything I do to Him is hard.

It means letting go of control.

It requires that I not only surrender my will, but also my plans.

To commit everything to my Lord will require diligent and wholehearted effort on my part. It will be a constant struggle between what I want and what I want more.

WHAT HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

"But the people soon forgot about the Lord their God, so he let them be conquered by Sisera, the general of Hazor's army, and by the Philistines and the king of Moab." 1 Samuel 12:9 NLT

How are things going for you?

Honestly.

How are things?

Are you victorious and joy-filled? Are you standing tall against your enemy? Are you growing by leaps and bounds in your walk with the Lord?

That's His plan for you. That's what God desires you do.

But if you aren't?

If you are feeling defeated, deflated, discouraged and dismal--might it be that you have forgotten the Lord your God?

Has His place in your life slipped down into a less-than-important priority?

Are the enemies around you, behind you and in front of you conquering you on a daily basis?

One symptom of God having lost His rightful place in our lives is the feeling of our enemy having the upper hand!

Remember Him.

Remember who the Lord is.

Recall all He has promised to you.

Recollect all He has done.

 

APPROPRIATE

Today's reading: Genesis 48-50

"These are the twelve tribes of Israel, and these are the blessings with which Jacob blessed his twelve sons. Each received a blessing that was appropriate to him." Genesis 49:28 NLT

The camera pans to a dying man laying on his death bed.

Surrounding him are his twelve grown sons who have been raised in a culture where blessings are bestowed from generation to generation.

Chapter 49 fills us in on the blessings, and the predictions, Joseph makes in regards to each and every one of his boys.

Specific.

Individual.

Significant.

Distinct.

Each spoken word imparting wisdom, hope and recognition of personality traits and characteristics.

This father knew his boys. He knew their bents. He knew what the future could hold for each and every one of them. He grasped the potential held in each varying personality.

Like our Father does.

God does not bless us with a 'one size fits all' blessing.

How He chooses to bless each and every one of us varies according to our personalities, our abilities and our strengths.

God's blessing is not about competition. It's not about any one person gaining a more favored status. His gifts poured out on each and every one of us should be celebrated, not used in comparison games.

If you know the Lord, you have been blessed in a specific and God-ordained way. Don't bother yourself by sizing up what you have with the Lord against another believer's blessings.

Our Father knows his children well--and gifts blessings according to His loving knowledge.

LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"...And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Here's my problem, and maybe-just maybe, it's a problem you struggle with as well...

I don't always look for the 'way out' when I am tempted.

You see, I want what I want, when I want it.

Too often my eyes, heart and mind are focused on the tempting offering and I do not even glance around to see an 'off ramp' or an 'exit'.

Paul tells me I can expect there to be one.

He says I can look for it, it is to be found.

Will it always be more appealing than what is tempting me? No.

Will it always be easy to choose? No.

Will it sometimes require me to simply tell myself 'no'? Yes, yes it might!

I want to begin looking for the way out that the Lord provides!

 

HARD HEARTS

Today's reading: Mark 3-4

"He looked around at them angrily, because he was deeply disturbed by their hard hearts..." Mark 3:5 NLT

As church folk, we tend to believe 'anger' has no place among us.

We squash it down. We push it away. We ignore it. We rename it. We disregard it. We stuff it.

But why? 

Jesus exhibited anger.

God gave us the emotion.

Maybe we can understand its purpose if we look a little deeper at the instances where Jesus experienced anger.

Like in this morning's passage...

Jesus was angered at his enemies. Not in regards to what they had done, and they had done a lot.

He was not angered at them because of what they had failed to do, and there was a long list of those.

Jesus was angry about the fact that they had allowed their hearts to become hardened to others.

They were so hardened that they cared little for their fellow men. Their hard hearts had allowed them to focus more on the when, where and how rather than the who. They were at the point that they could not celebrate a healing because it went against their practices, policies and preferences.

And that made Jesus angry.

Two points I see in this...

1. Am I overlooking the needs of others when I myself become inconvenienced?

2. Might Jesus be angry at the condition of my heart?

 

GIVE THE LORD NO REST

Today's reading: Isaiah 62-66

"O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the Lord day and night for the fulfillment of his promises. Take no rest, all you who pray. Give the Lord no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth." Isaiah 62:6-7 NLT

Are you a pray-er?

One who prays? One who speaks to God on behalf of needs, loved ones, circumstances and emergencies?

I consider myself to be a gal of prayer. 

Each morning I spend time praising God for who He us, confessing to Him what wrongs I've done, thanking Him for all He has given and calling out the names and needs on my prayer request list. I speak to Him at mealtimes, as issues arise and when I am in want. 

But after reading today's Scripture passage, I don't want to be a pray-er anymore.

No, I want to be a watchman!

I want to be posted where He wants me.

I want to pray to the Lord day and night for the fulfillment of His promises.

I want to be one that speaks to God so regularly, so often, so continuously and so consistently, that I do not end any conversation with the Lord with, Amen.

I want to be the kind of believer that does not give God a rest!

I desire that, as a watchman, I consider His throne open to me at all times of the day. I do not want to step into His presence boldly, I want to move into it and reside there at all times. I want my Father to hear my voice day in and day out. I want to live so closely to Him that each and every move He makes, He has to move me to do it. I want such a close and intimate relationship with Him that as He exhales, every single breath, I inhale more and more of His spirit.

What about you? Do you want to be a pray-er, or a watchman?

 

 

TREASURED

Today's reading: Job 23-24

"I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart." Job 23:12 NLT

When you hold something dear, or keep it as precious to your heart and mind--then you treasure something.

Do you do that with God's commands? God's words?

Only when we value them as priceless or see them as one of a kind, will we honor them by our actions.

We will obey what they say.

We will change what they lead us to change.

We will keep them as rules for our lives.

We will spend as much time as possible in them.

We will allow them to penetrate our lives, our words and our deeds.

But it all begins with treasuring them in our hearts. 

RADIANT WITH JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 33-35

"Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 34:5 NLT

How does regret look on you?

The disappointment that comes from disobeying God's nudges.

The disgust that comes from falling for our enemy's tricks--again.

The remorse that appears in the mirror the next morning.

The grief over what could have/should have/would have been.

We can be radiant with joy...

We can smile at the reflection looking back at us...

We can walk into rooms without embarrassment or shame...

We can hold our heads up high...

When we choose to look to the Lord and follow His leading, 'no shadows of shame' will stare back at us!

 IT'S ME, NOT YOU
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"Samuel was very upset with their request and went to the Lord for advice. Do as they say, the Lord replied, for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer." 1 Samuel 8:6-7 NLT

The people had just asked Samuel for a king. A king like the nations around them had. A king that would rule over them, but not necessarily leave them convicted about their disobedience to God.

Samuel was hurt. He had taken his role seriously. He knew the importance of speaking God into the lives of those he ministered to. He knew the harm that would come with a king.

It was with these emotions that he went to the Lord for advice.

And God told him it wasn't about him.

It wasn't about him at all.

God went on to explain to Samuel that this issue had to do with the hearts of the people, not the popularity or likeability of their judge, Samuel.

The same is true today.

Godly, Bible teaching, Christian leaders--it's about their walk with the Lord, not your favored status.

Parents of prodigals--it's more about their hearts, not your inadequacies or errors in parenting.

Struggling churches--it's about waiting for God to convict hearts, not for you to come up with a grander attendance rally idea.

We, the leaders, the parents, the church folks, are the visible, tangible, tactile representatives of God. The ones who will face the brunt of the issues at hand. The ones who will receive tongue lashings. The ones on whom so many feel their opinions need to fall upon. The ones who take offense so easily when our feelings are hurt.

But always remember--it's God, not you, they are truly struggling with!

WE LIMIT GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"I am God, the voice said, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there." Genesis 46:3 NLT

Joseph was living in the Promised Land.

The land given to his ancestors by God.

Joseph had established roots and a family in this comfortable, abundant place.

He believed he was living out the dream God had placed in the hearts of his father and grandfathers.

He was quite content watching God go about His work in Canaan.

Until the famine hit.

Until the food was scarce.

Until an opportunity for relief came inside the borders of Egypt.

Like us, I don't think Joseph believed God could/would/should work anywhere else.

Think He cannot work outside the church house?

Think He will not work through the most horrific of circumstances?

Think He shouldn't work in 'their' lives?

Think He isn't allowed to work in the dark, dirty, messiness of the far country?

We limit God.

We place Him inside neat, well drawn boundaries.

We expect Him to act in specific and predetermined ways.

We don't look for Him anywhere outside our comfortable, Christian-y places.

And when we limit Him like that--we miss out on seeing Him at work around us!

BRINGING HOLINESS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

"For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not have a godly influence, but now they are set apart for him." 1 Corinthians 7:14 NLT

I would never, wouldn't need to and wouldn't have anything, to add to God's Word.

But some mornings, some times in my reading, I see more than just what's printed.

This morning's verse is one of those times.

I do not believe Paul--or the Holy Spirit leading him--was talking merely about marriage and homes with children.

God's holiness is way too big for such boundaries to be placed on it.

What if, this is just me considering His word on a deeper level, God intends us to impact each and every relationship we are in?

Might it be that we are to bring holiness, as children of God, into our workplaces?

Into our friendships?

Into the places where we buy our groceries, pump our gas or pay our water bills?

As believers who have been saved by the amazing grace of God, shouldn't we be godly influences every single place we go? 

PEOPLE OF THIS KIND

Today's reading: Mark 1-2

"That night Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to be his dinner guests, along with his fellow tax collectors and many other notorious sinners. (There were many people of this kind among the crowds that followed Jesus.)" Mark 2:15 NLT

This kind--

You know the kind.

The folks with backgrounds. Those with skeletons in their closets. The ones who have left trails of bodies, or at least hearts, littered behind them.

The kind that are messy. Rough. Inappropriate at times. Uninformed. Unlearned. Uncouth.

If you've been in the church scene long enough, you've seen this kind come and go, and hopefully come and stay, in your congregation.

But the thing is...

The truth of the matter is...

The thing most of us believers have forgotten...

We used to be this kind.

Before we came to know the Lord as Savior and Friend, we were them.

Maybe, like me, you need that reminder.

Might it be that you need to remember who you once were, so you can extend love, grace, mercy and kindness to the ones new on the church scene.

This kind, the kind Mark refers to as following Jesus? Well, we either ARE or we WERE.

BLESSED

Today's reading: Isaiah 56-61

"...blessed are those who keep themselves from doing wrong." Isaiah 56:2 NLT

One might say, Yes, Lord--we know that.

We are fully aware that You bless those who keep from doing wrong. From sinning. From putting our selfish needs above those of God's commands.

But do we?

Do we really?

Do our lives exhibit our true knowledge of this statement of faith?

Are we choosing His blessings over our desires?

Are we choosing to receive from Him rewards for sacrificing ourselves?

Are we choosing Him over our wants?

So, in all reality, we do know this verse--we just seldom live it out.

Starting today, I'm planning on memorizing these words. I'm writing them out. Posting them around me. Asking God to bring them to my remembrance. I plan on living them out instead of just knowing them.

Care to join me? 

WHEN OUR COMPLAINTS ARE WITH GOD

Today's reading: Job 21-22

"My complaint is with God, not with people. No wonder I'm so impatient. Look at me and be stunned. Put your hand over your mouth in shock. When I think about what I am saying, I shudder. My body trembles." Job 21:4-5 NLT

News flash:  God can handle your complaints.

Each disgruntled emotion. Every disappointment. Each and every unanswered (yet) prayer.

He can take any and all complaints you have to wager against Him.

Every prayer prayed in angst. Every petition given out of desperation, or exasperation. Every shaken fist. Every blubbering, tearful cry.

You are not different than our old friend, Job--not everything has gone your way.

God doesn't mind your input. He isn't put off by what you feel has inconvenienced you. He doesn't quit loving you just because your ideas and hopes aren't seen in His will and ways.

Job, himself, was surprised with all he spewed towards the Lord. The audacity of his prayers. The rawness of his requests. The guttural depths of his petitions.

Job couldn't believe he ever stood in line at the 'Complaint Department' and brought up accusations against the Lord. His Lord.

But he did.

And we will.

And God will still be God. His love will still overflow into our lives. His mercies will be new every morning. And His ways, regardless of our complaints, will still be what's best.

 

IN A SAFE PLACE

Today's reading: Psalm 30-32

"I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place." Psalm 30:7-8 NLT

In my neck of the woods, we are entering into a time of the year called, Tornado Season. As a matter of fact, the area in which we live is under a tornado watch for the next 24 hours or so.

We are making sure things are secure in the yard and on the porch. We are clearing out our little 'safe corner', in case we need to take shelter. We are gathering up all the flashlights and batteries, and making sure our phones are charged up.

These 'watches', or 'warnings', can lead to fear, anxiety and nervousness.

How do I cope?

How do I cope as a gal who has always had a fear of bad weather?

How do I cope as a gal who has always had a fear of bad weather and believes in God?

I crank up the praise music! 

Oh, I'm not saying I hum my little hymns as I stand on the front stoop defying the winds--but I do keep the right words singing in my ears so that my fearful thoughts don't overwhelm me!

You see, even in the 'watches' of our lives, we can celebrate God's unfailing love for us.

We can sing knowing He cares for the anxious parts of our hearts.

We can rejoice in the fact that He does not hand us over to our fears--but sets us in a safe place!

We can praise Him before, during and after the storms of life.

WHAT GOD HAD SAID

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

"Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him." 1 Samuel 3:15 NLT

God had spoken to Samuel in regards to Eli, Eli's family and the sins they had tolerated and committed.

It was a tough bit of news. It was a solemn affair. It was full of judgement and wrath.

Out of respect...

Out of fear...

Out of immaturity...

Out of inexperience...

Samuel struggled with telling his mentor God's words.

What Samuel was struggling with was that it was God's words, not his own.

It's a lesson we should all tussle with.

If it's our opinion, our preference or merely our commentary--we should mentally consider whether or not we should share it.

If it's God's words, if it's heavy on our hearts that we are to speak them, if what He is asking us to say is true, kind, necessary--then we should speak up.

When God asks us to tell someone something, it's not a matter of hurt feelings, offense or humiliation--it's always about things of eternal consequence.

Listen for the Lord's leading and obey.  

I KNOW A GUY

Today's reading: Genesis 40-43

"One night the cup-bearer and the baker each had a dream, and each dream had its own meaning. The next morning Joseph noticed the dejected look on their faces. Why do you look so worried today? he asked. And they replied, We both had dreams last night, but there is no one here to tell us what they mean. Interpreting dreams is God's business, Joseph replied, Tell me what you saw." Genesis 40:5-8 NLT

Do you have that one friend who has all the connections?

They know the best plumber.  They are friends with a lawyer.  They run in a crowd that includes a doctor.  They have a great handyman. They can even get you in touch with a wonderful baker who can fix you up with a birthday cake.

This is the friend who you know will always be able to say, 'I know a guy for that!'

Well, in regards to the dreaming going on in the prison in Egypt--Joseph was that fella.

In today's terms, Joseph knew a guy.

Or more rightly said, Joseph knew The Guy!

Joseph didn't refer to his own expertise. He didn't brag on himself or his abilities. He didn't even make the statement, Let me fix this for you.

He said, Tell me what you saw--and then he took what we found out to the Lord.

Joseph's assurance wasn't in knowing the right person, it was in knowing the One who is always right.

The God of all.

The Creator. Sustainer. Conductor. Deliverer. Redeemer. Restorer. And in this case, Dream Interpreter.

What about you?

When friends and family come to you with a problem--do you know A GUY?!

 

MADE RIGHT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

"...You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you." 1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT

Oh, that we would all realize that in order to 'be made right with God', we must recognize all that makes us 'wrong with God'!

Having a relationship with God requires that all of the humanness within us be put to death.

The mortal side of us that sins. That is self-centered. That is out for anything and everything that  feeds our personal desires.

It's being scrubbed clean of all unrighteousness and made presentable to the Lord.

It's being clothed in the blood of Jesus Christ--the only garment that makes us acceptable to approach God's throne.

It's admitting sin and taking up the precious gift of salvation offered to us.

Are you right with God--or are you still wrong?

DESERTERS

Today's reading: Matthew 26-28

"Tonight all of you will desert me, Jesus told them. For the Scriptures say, God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Matthew 26:31 NLT

Let's set the stage...

Jesus and his closest disciples were in Jerusalem mere days before His crucifixion.

Jesus knew the events that would take place over the next few days--that his dearest friends would fall asleep while He prayed, that one of his confidant's would betray Him, that there would be an arrest, a trial, lies and a cruel cross.

And Jesus knew who would stick with Him--and who wouldn't.

He knew which of His twelve, or eleven, would end up being 'deserters'.

Because things didn't end as they thought they should...

Because God's power wasn't manifested in ways they had imagined...

Because fear took over where faith was asked to stand tall...

Because leaving Him was easier than doing the hard things He asked...

Because what they saw didn't line up with what was promised...

Because hope was blurred by circumstances...

Things have not changed over the years, or amid His followers.

We still want what we want from Jesus--

We still have preconceived notions as to how He should act, answer, respond--

We still want our way, and only our way--

We still seek the easy and the comfortable--

We still choose to give in rather than have faith--

We still pray directives instead of His will--

We still have no clue as to who He really is--

I'm asking myself this morning, what might happen in my life, or in my faith walk, that will make me desert Jesus? 

WOUNDED AND CRUSHED

Today's reading: Isaiah 51-55

"But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!" Isaiah 53:5 NLT

Every once in a while I need the reminder of what all Christ sacrificed for me.

I need to recall the pain He endured--for my sins.

I need to recount how badly He was mistreated--for me.

I need to consider the cost He paid--for my salvation and relationship.

His dignity.

His pride.

His blood.

His sweat.

His tears.

His comfort.

His will.

His life.

For me. The rotten, sin-soaked me.

He gave His all for me.

 

CHECKING MY ATTITUDE

Today's reading: Job 19-20

"How dare you go on persecuting me, saying, It's his own fault? I warn you, you yourselves are in danger of punishment for your attitude. Then you will know that there is judgement." Job 19:28-29 NLT

Job warned his 'friends' to check their attitudes.

Ever needed to do that?

Ever felt convicted of the mindset you took a stand on?

Ever needed to re-consider the viewpoint you're taking?

Ever regretted the mood you had exhibited?

Ever wished you might take back the reaction you spewed onto another?

An attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something or someone, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.

What's been reflected in your behavior, demeanor and words over the past 24 hours?

Might you be in danger of punishment for your attitude?

THEN AND NOW

Today's reading: Psalm 27-29

"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13 NLT

As believers, our hearts and minds are set on heaven.

A place of splendor, God's majesty and God's presence. 

An ethereal place that is free from death, sickness, pain and tears.

We can long for it. Work towards it. Sing about. Live for it. Believe in it.

But are we overlooking here and now in anticipation of heaven?

We don't have to wait until heaven to see God's goodness.

Sure this world is a dark, sin-filled place. Bad things happen. Evil people commit crimes. Cancer creeps into lives.

But God is present with us. Today. Now. Here.

Are you spending time each and every day looking for Him?

Are you scanning the night sky for the break of dawn?

Are you looking past the storm clouds for the rainbow?

Are you gazing into the eyes of a soul-owner instead of casting a glance at a sinner?

David was confident, on his worst days, that if he looked hard enough he would see the goodness of the Lord--are you?

HOW FAR WILL YOU GO?

Today's reading: Ruth

"But Ruth replied, Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth 1:16 NLT 

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the account of Ruth and her determined love for Naomi.

I can't even tell you how many weddings I have attended where this very verse was recited.

I know for a fact that every year in my Bible reading plan, I read of Ruth's heroic decision.

But this morning it hit differently.

It slapped me in the face. It poked me in the gut. It pricked my heart.

I am asking myself, after reading her account, how far will I go for a friend?

To the hospital to sit with them during a medical emergency?

To their bedside in an illness?

To the funeral home to mourn with them?

To my knees for an extended period of time? For a prodigal season? For a span of time when an addiction rears its ugly head? In good times? In bad times? In horrible times?

To the point of asking the hard questions--Are you right with the Lord? Is He your Lord and Savior? Are there any sins you need to take to Him--again, and again, and again?

Am I the friend that sticks it out, doesn't turn back, is there for the duration--and into eternity?

BEING NOTICED

Today's reading: Genesis 36-39

"The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did." Genesis 39:2-3 NLT

What made Potiphar 'notice' Joseph's relationship with the Lord?

I don't think it was a Christian tshirt...

Or his cross necklace...

Or his well-marked and well-worn Bible...

Or the 'Come to First Baptist Church of Egypt with me this Sunday' sign in Joseph's yard...

Something made Potiphar notice.

Something made Potiphar aware of the fact that Someone had given favor to this young slave boy.

Something made Potiphar notice.

We don't know what it was. 

We aren't told specifically.

We're simply told there was something different about this child of the Most High God.

My prayer is that this noticeable trait, whatever it might be, will be found in each and every one of us.

That the Spirit of God be evident in our smiles...

In our deeds...

In our reactions...

In our hope...

In our lives...

NOT FANCY TALK
Today's reading: ! Corinthians 3-4

"For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power." 1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT

Maybe you don't speak in King James English.

Quite possibly you have not taken courses in hermeunitics, theology or expositional speaking.

Maybe, just maybe, Hebrew and Greek are 'Greek' to you.

It doesn't matter!

Paul tells the Corinthian church, and us, that Christian living isn't about knowing all the fancy words, but about living what you know...

Jesus Christ born, living a perfect life, crucified, risen and coming again.

If He has saved you, live like it

If He is walking beside you, live like it.

If He has blessed you, live like it.

If you truly believe He is coming again, live like it.

If you depend upon Him for all you have, don't hide it.

If praise for Him bubbles out of your heart, don't try to keep it in.

If you're in a season of trusting His Word in a storm, do just that in front of everyone He places in your path.

Sharing the Good News, expanding the Kingdom of God, isn't about fancy church-words, it's about living it out in front of those you meet.

It's all in how we live--and when necessary, we use our words!

 

WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?

Today's reading: Matthew 23-25

"I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is." Matthew 25:25 NLT

Maybe you recognize this single verse from among the parable of the loaned money.

The master gave some of his hired men bags of money. One was given five bags of money and invested it wisely, doubling his money. The second was given two bags of gold, and did the same as the first.

But the third fellow?

The third fellow, who was given one bag of money, was afraid.

So afraid that he did nothing with his gift, but bury it in the earth.

He states he was afraid he would lose the money. He was afraid he would fail at the attempt. He was afraid he would let the master down.

Does this parable sting?

When applied to the good use you're making of all God's given to you, does it make you squirm in your seat?

Many of us are afraid of mis-using God's gifts.

Some of us are scared of ruining the name of Christ with our attempts.

A few of us consider it a better 'investment' to keep the blessings God has afforded us under wraps, keeping them in pristine condition--like baseball playing cards still in their unopened wrappers.

Spoiler alert: this hired hand, the one who hid his bag of money, was called useless and thrown into utter darkness by the one who had gifted him the blessing.

Know this:

1. The Master knows exactly who He is giving each and every gift to.

2. The 'gift' isn't the prized possession, the fact that we were given it at all is!

3. The trust our Master has in us is intended to enlarge His kingdom.

4. Burying our 'talents' disrespects our Master.

5. We are not capable of 'ruining everything' God has set in motion by doing something in error.

So, what are you doing with all He has given to you? What have you got buried? What in your life might need to be dug up, brushed off, shined up and used as an investment in God's Kingdom?