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?