WATCHMEN

Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-36

"But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their deaths. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman accountable. Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me." Ezekiel 33:6-7 NLT

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to be a watchman.

-Someone who speaks the words of God.

-Someone who tells the world about Him.

-Someone who sounds the alarm of sin and its ramifications.

-Someone so thrilled to have been saved by the Lord that you want everyone else to know His saving power.

-Someone who loves another enough to do all you can to keep them from the pits of hell.

-Someone who truly is a follower of Christ, a follower who takes His commands to 'Go tell' seriously.

 

TANK-FILLERS

Today's reading: Proverbs 11-12

"The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 NLT

Whose tank might you re-fill today?

If that is your ambition as you enter this new day, then opportunities abound!

Young moms who need some encouragement.

New believers who need a kind word.

Defeated folks who need a pat on the back.

Discouraged people who need what Christ has filled your heart with.

Refreshing others refreshes ourselves. Don't believe it? Try it!

REVIVE US AGAIN

Today's reading: Psalm 84-86

"Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?" Psalm 85:6 NLT

Another Lord's Day has rolled around...

A day to gather with saints and sinners.

A time to worship, praise and petition.

An opportunity to learn, lean in and listen in for God's voice.

And a time to be revived.

To have the Holy Spirit breathed back into us after a week of life-sucking madness, heart-breaking happenings and enemy-sent attacks.

A day to receive a deep breath, more life and a better grip on our faith.

It's not just Sunday--it's a day to be revived!

YOU BEING YOU

Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-15

"Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not like his ancestor David..." 2 Kings 14:3 NLT

If you come from a godly lineage, you might be feeling like your faith is being pressed, or molded, into a box that just doesn't fit you.

You're being 'asked' to attend the church of your forefathers.

It's being 'suggested' that you read the Bible translations of your grandparents.

It might even be that you're being 'pressed' to wear what your parents wore to church, sing only the songs your parents sang and continue the church customs your parents passed down to you.

Amaziah, the young king in today's Bible account, served God--but he didn't do it like those who preceded him.

Serving God is individual.

Doing what God asks is a personal calling.

Following after God demands that we each walk our own paths.

Are there some Bible based doctrines that need to be adhered to--YES!

But let's be quite clear...there are Bible based requirements and there are a whole lot of religion based rules.

Knowing Christ as your personal Savior is non-negotiable.

Believing the Bible is the inerrant word of God is not something we can disagree on.

Participating in a community of believers is not only necessary for growth but also instructed by the Lord.

So let your faith be your faith. Walk out your testimony. Draw close to the One who individually, personally and intimately knows you.

In regards to your faith--you be you!

ME AND MINE

Today's reading: Leviticus 16-18

"No one else is allowed inside the Tabernacle while Aaron goes in to make atonement for the Most Holy Place. No one may enter until he comes out again after making atonement for himself, his family, and all the Israelites." Leviticus 16:17 NLT

Do you have a place where you start the day out with the Lord?

A place that is set apart, a place that allows you time with the Lord, a place that is holy?

 It needn't be a monastery type setting where noise is prohibited.

There is no requirement of solitude.

It doesn't even have to be uncluttered.

It just has to be a place, a specific, intentional, habitual place where you meet with the Lord.

A place where you and He hash out your faith walk...

A spot where you stand in the gap for those you love...

A designated area where you pray, soak in His Word and where you receive your marching orders for the day...

An area where you and the Lord meet for some personal time.

I urge you, like Aaron, to slip away every day to a most holy place in order to be filled with God in order that you might fill others!

GREEDY FOR GOD

Today's reading: Colossians 3-4

"...Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry." Colossians 3:5 NLT

God knows us well enough to know that if we aren't greedy for one thing, we will be for another.

It's how we're made.

So, knowing our bent, He gives us a boundary in regards to handling our greedy nature.

I read, in this portion of Scripture, that I can be greedy for God.

I can want all of Him I could possibly hold.

I can think about Him night and day.

I can seek out ways to get more and more, and more and more, of Him.

And He's good with that.

Because a greed like that is beneficial. It's life giving. It's what He truly designed us for.

Nothing this earth offers can overshadow all we have to gain in seeking Him out.

So throw yourself into getting more of the Lord. Go ahead, He wholeheartedly approves of that kind of greed!

TAKING AND GIVING

Today's reading: Luke 19-20

"Then turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who earned the most." Luke 19:24 NLT

In this account, referred to as the 'Parable of the Talents', we find 3 men selected to have and grow opportunities for their master.

One excelled, earning ten times as much.

The second increased his lot by five times the original amount.

The third 'investor' didn't invest--he merely held what was given to him.

The master's response to the third servant's choices are what's recorded in today's verse.

What he was given, what he was given and not nurtured, was given to another.

Taken from him and given to someone who had proved himself to be more faithful.

Ever been on either side of a God transaction like that?

Maybe you experienced a time in life when you failed to honor God in a situation He placed you in.

Or on the other side of the coin, maybe your obedience in a seemingly small matter led to a God-sized opportunity.

As today unfolds as the sun rises, you get to choose which type of servant you will be--one from whom 'talents' are taken OR one to whom 'talents' are poured out.

I choose to use what I have in a way that makes Him want to give me more!

REVEALING HIS HOLINESS

Today's reading: Ezekiel 25-30

"...I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people." Ezekiel 28:25 NLT

When I think about all God can do...

Control nature. Cause planets to be suspended in orbit. Create life from what scientists have called cells. Transform hearts. Change minds.

Well, it amazes me.

But what's spoken about in the last part of this verse, completely and utterly astounds me.

He, the Master Creator, chooses to display his holiness through His people.

His imperfect people.

His fatally flawed people.

His always sinning people.

His quick-to-forget-Him people.

And yet, He chooses us to exhibit holiness to the world.

His power is displayed through nature. His sovereignty is displayed through His miracles, His love is displayed through the Cross, His patience is displayed through the very fact that we're all still here today.

But His holiness? He's showing that to the world through us, His saved and forgiven people.

How are you doing representing Him? 

WORDS OF LIFE

Today's reading: Proverbs 10

"The words of the godly lead to life..." Proverbs 10:11 NLT

Vacation Bible School begins today!

It's one of my absolute favorite times of the year.

Kids from our church, kids that are from other churches, kids that have never set foot in the church, all will gather starting this evening to learn about Jesus and have fun.

I get the awesome privilege of presenting the Bible lesson each week--a task I do not take lightly.

Seems quite appropriate, God sent really, that these words from Proverbs are what my eyes land on this morning as I read the Word.

I'm not just presenting Bible stories.

I'm not just filling in a time slot each evening.

I'm not just there for crowd control.

I'm not there to merely entertain.

I am being called to speak words of life into the hearts and minds of these kids.

Kids I may see each Sunday. Kids I may bump into at WalMart. Kids I may never, ever, see again.

God is giving me the opportunity to speak His words over them and into them--bringing life to their little lives.

Seeds I get to plant. Seeds He will nestle into the soil of their hearts for His cultivating in His time!

OPEN WIDE

Today's reading: Psalm 81-83

"For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81:10 NLT

We have a pair of barn swallows who are insistent upon building a nest at our back door.

The three eggs they have laid and hatched have become a trio of ravenous little mouths.

The mother and daddy birds are constantly flitting back and forth with mouths full of goodies for their littles to consume.

The tiny birds sit quietly and calmly until a parent lights on the edge of the nest. Their stillness quickly takes a turn and all three open their mouths wide for their meals.

Imagine desiring so desperately to grow in the Lord that the moment He is near, His Word is open, an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to nudge--our mouths fly open.

'Fill me! Fill me!' our responses cry.

 

TELL THEM

Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-10

"And Gehazi was telling the king about the time Elisha had brought a boy back to life. At that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in to make her appeal to the king. Look, my lord! Gehazi exclaimed. Here is the woman now, and this is her son--the very one Elisha brought back to life! Is this true? the king asked her. And she told him that it was..." 2 Kings 8:5-6 NLT

As I think about all God has done for me, I am nudged by the Holy Spirit to be more aware.

More aware of noticing where it is He is at work in my life.

More aware of people to whom I can witness to of His greatness.

More aware of situations He allows me to be in where I can testify to another.

More aware of just how quiet I am in regards to all He does for me!

The Lord places me in situation after situation where I am given an 'open door' to walk through proclaiming His greatness.

What will I do in those opportunities?

ABLE TO AFFORD

Today's reading: Leviticus 13-15

"Then the priest will offer the two turtledoves or the two young pigeons, whichever the person was able to afford." Leviticus 14:30 NLT

I'm attempting to put myself in the position of one of these early God followers...

What if I couldn't afford two turtledoves OR two pigeons?

What if my sin had cost me everything and I was left without two pennies to my name?

What if what I had done far exceeded any prescribed sacrifices listed in the 'book of rules'?

What if sheer embarrassment and utter shame overwhelmed me as I dragged my offering through the city to the 'church' for the priest to assess and approve of?

What if my sacrificial animal got loose and I couldn't catch it--and sure couldn't afford to buy another?

It's only after considering what it was like under the Law, to fully grasp how good we have it under Grace!

Jesus was enough for my every sin.

Jesus offered what I couldn't possibly purchase on my own.

Jesus took the place of my turtledove/pigeon/ram/bull.

Jesus knew I couldn't afford what was required for my sins and said, 'I'll be her sacrifice.'

Living under Grace overwhelms me!

 

HOLDS ALL CREATION TOGETHER

Today's reading: Colossians 1-2

"He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together." Colossians 1:17 NLT

If your world is currently swirling...

Or your life is leaving you swimmy headed...

Or the latest news leaves your chest pounding...

Know this: God holds all creation together!

He has always been, is currently and will always be.

That should calm your nerves and settle your spirit.

Our God, the Creator of all we are, have and see, is the One who is holding it all together.

Even when it feels as if it's all falling apart! 

 TO THE LORD

Today's reading: Luke 17-18

"One day the apostles said to the Lord, We need more faith; tell us how to get it." Luke 17:5 NLT

Of course they asked Jesus!

I mean, He was their leader...

He was their friend...

He was the Lord...

Why wouldn't they turn to the 'faith source' for any and all questions regarding how to live for God?

Why don't we?

For myself, it's sometimes easier, and a whole lot less convicting, to turn to a Christian self-help book, a sermon-y Instagram reel or crank up the praise music, instead of speaking to the Lord.

Asking Him what I need to do to grow closer to Him.

Seeking out His instruction in regards to improving my relationship with Him.

Being reminded of what it is He has asked me to do again, and again.

He desires that we come to Him for any and all things--but not as a last resort or as a back-plan.

Say 'it' to the Lord--and listen for His response.

BUT THEY

Today's reading: Ezekiel 19-24

"But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of their idols or forsake the gods of Egypt..." Ezekiel 20:8 NLT

 We find God's people, this many pages into their history with the Lord, rebelling against Him once more.

They were guilty of worshiping the idols of the very people who had kept them slaves for over 400 years.

They were rightly charged with ignoring God, turning their backs on Him and doing what they thought was best.

Aren't you glad that only happened then?

We shake our heads at the nation of Israel, but all the while do just what they did.

We turn our backs on what the Word of the Lord tells us to do--or not do.

We disregard the nudgings of the Holy Spirit in regards to next steps or new opportunities.

We lean harder on idols and gods than we do the One True God.

We dismiss what He tells us thinking we know better. Oh, we would never say it out loud, but don't our actions reveal that very vain choice?

I'm left questioning myself this morning...

Am I listening to the Lord?

Am I pushing aside idols in an effort to get closer to Him?

Am I honoring Him with every choice I make?

HOW BADLY I WANT HIM

Today's reading: Proverbs 8-9

"I love all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me." Proverbs 8:17 NLT

How badly do I want the Lord to be involved in all aspects of my life?

That's the question that popped into my mind as I read this verse.

I love Him and am loved by Him.

But do I search for Him?

Do I actively seek to engage Him in my day-to-day?

Am I looking for His guidance with each and every choice I have to make?

He tells me that He will surely be found IF I only look.

Will I? 

EACH GENERATION

Today's reading: Psalm 78-80

"For he issued his decree to Jacob; he gave his laws to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them--even the children not yet born--that they in turn might teach their children. So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands." Psalm 78:5-7 NLT

Yesterday's national holiday was a grand celebration.

The parades, the gatherings, the news broadcasts, the fireworks...all pointing to the excitement of our nation's birthday.

Ten generations of our country.

Ten opportunities for families to remind, renew, revive or restore its hope anew in God.

Two hundred and fifty years of varying time frames of history all marked by God's hand on our nation.

Occasion after occasion of watching God honor those who choose to turn to Him.

Our nation is great because of the God we founded our country upon, the God we serve and the God whom we seek for protection, guidance and blessing.

Are we telling the next generation about Him?

 EXCEPT A FLASK OF OIL

Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-5

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

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

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

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

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

We still have 'a flask of oil'.

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

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

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

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

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

Pray.

Assemble peaceably.

Stand for what is right and against what is wrong.

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

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

BEING DIFFERENT

Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

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

What's different about you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Markedly different. 

Blatantly different.

Absolutely different.

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

EVERYTHING

Today's reading: Philippians 3-4

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

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

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

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

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

But is that what it means?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A boundary.

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

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

BUT HIS FATHER SAID

Today's reading: Luke 15-16

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

Child of God, do you know who you are?

Not who the world says you should be...

Or who you really want to be...

Or who you used to be...

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

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

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

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

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

Believing friend, that is who you are. 

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

At all times. Every day. In every situation.

God celebrates that--you should, too!