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?

DETERMINED

Today's reading: Isaiah 45-50

"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph." Isaiah 50:7 NLT

What gives you determination?

What helps you accomplish a task?

What pushes you on or drives you?

May it be that the Lord is helping you!

When we partner with the Lord in doing His will in His way, we will see success.

When we yoke ourselves to Him for His purpose, victory is ours.

When we trust and obey our Sovereign Lord in all things, we will not be disappointed or discouraged.

Determine today to come alongside the Lord. Set your mind to it. Expect to triumph! 

STRONGER AND STRONGER

Today's reading: Job 17-18

"The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger." Job 17:9 NLT

Before you get in line, shout, 'Sign me up', or pack your bags for this mass exodus moving onward and forward, pause to see who God is wanting to recruit.

The righteous.

The ones who know what is right, hold to what is right and do what is right.

Those who have been redeemed by the Blood, forgiven by the Cross, strengthened by the Word and are led wholeheartedly by the Shepherd.

Is that you?

Are you willing?

If not, settle in where you are. 

If so, prepare to move onward and forward , righteous friend, growing stronger and stronger!

FOR YOUR GLORY

Today's reading: Psalm 24-26

"For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins." Psalm 25:11 NLT

I pray you have been forgiven of all your sins.

I hope you know the Lord as your Savior and Redeemer and Friend.

It's your only hope through, and after, this life.

But the thing is, it's not about us.

It's not primarily about saving us from hell, although that's a great perk.

It's not about us wearing a label through this life, having a Guide through this life or even having it easy in this life.

Salvation, the forgiveness of our sins, is all about God's glory!

It's about Him being such a good, good God.

It's about Him showcasing His great love for us through Jesus.

It's about the inexhaustible grace He pours out on us--as undeserving as we are.

My salvation, your salvation, brings God glory and honor and due praise because He offers it willingly--not because we accept it.