TAKING A CENSUS

Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

I've got to tell you, after reading through the drama and excitement of Numbers 25, my heart and mind 'hit the brakes' as I looked at the heading for Numbers 26--The second census of the nation.

A census.

A list of tribes, families and clans.

A very long list of names I, for the most part, cannot even pronounce.

I could have easily closed my Bible and been done with my reading for the day, but instead?

Instead, I chose to pray.

I chose to ask God to speak to me through the list of names, about the list of names, while in the list of names.

And here is what He shared with my heart...

Are you one of Mine?

You see, it's not about bloodlines, lineage or genealogy anymore--it's about our own personal decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Am I His? Am I recognized as His child? Am I following in His shadow? Am I adopted by God into His family?

I don't recognize many names listed in Numbers 25--but to at least have been named--what a privilege, what an honor, what a legacy!

I want to be one that's listed.

One that's remembered for being His.

One that has her name written in His book and her 'picture on His fridge.'

If God chose to take a census today, I want my name on the list!

STANDING OVATION
Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a fine house deserves more praise than the house itself." Hebrews 3:3 NLT

Think back over the last 24 hours...

Have you applauded someone for their efforts?

-A grocery clerk who went above and beyond to find you the ripest pineapple?

-The customer service representative that helped you with your insurance claim?

-The teacher that gave your child a few extra minutes of their time?

-A friend who asked how you are--how you really are?

So many times we give a standing ovation to the people we see standing before us, and not to God.

To God for placing them in our path.

To God for giving them a nudge.

To God for providing for you when you needed it.

The Hebrew people were all about celebrating all Moses had accomplished, and it was a lot, but they failed to see how Jesus had done more.

They were complimenting 'the house' and not 'the builder'.

Watch for ways to pay tribute to our Great Builder today. 

 SO YOU ALSO CAN BELIEVE

Today's reading: John 19-21

"This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account; it is presented so that you also can believe." John 19:35 NLT

In the middle of John's account of the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus, John inserts this one sentence.

This statement of fact.

This purpose for his writings.

That we, thousands of years removed from that scene in Jerusalem, can believe.

That we can believe in Jesus.

That we can believe He was wrongly accused, falsely tried, given an undeserved death sentence.

That we can believe He willingly died.

That we can believe He was placed in a cemetery plot.

That we can believe He rose again.

Isn't that the overarching reason God gave us the Bible in the first place--that we believe in His Son!

From Genesis to Revelation, everything points to Jesus and us believing in Him.

So I ask you--Do you believe?

THE LORD'S PLUMB LINE

Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"Then he showed me another vision, I saw the Lord standing beside a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was checking it with a plumb line to see if it was straight." Amos 7:7 NLT

A plumb line is a string having a weight on the bottom of it.

A carpenter, or mason, will hold the string up against their project to see if they are staying true, staying straight, staying in line.

Who holds the plumb line is important. Not being held in the right place can cause problems to appear as the task nears completion.

Having a rock or stone on the bottom of the plumb line is equally important.

You see, without a rock holding the line straight and taught, the wind could cause the plumb line to be off level.

We should measure life with the plumb line of the Lord.

Allow Him to hold us up to His commands to see that we are straight and true and using Him as our weight to make sure the line we're walking is the right one.

When held by the wrong people, our center can be off kilter.

Without the anchor of the Lord, the world sways us into what is acceptable, not what is godly.

Spend some time today asking God to check you against His plumb line.

See where you are veering off course, wavering in your righteousness, wandering off track.

 

DON'T BE IN A HURRY

Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"...Just because you see something, don't be in a hurry to go to court. You might go down before your neighbors in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with them privately. Don't tell anyone else, or others may accuse you of gossip. Then you will never regain your good reputation." Proverbs 25:7-10 NLT

Ever 'jumped to a conclusion' and ended up finding out you only had half the story, only knew a portion of what really happened or was completely wrong in your assumptions?

We all have.

It brings about embarrassment,  shame, regret and distrust.

So when God suggests, through Solomon's collection of wise sayings, that we don't be in a hurry--

That we discuss matters personally and privately--

That we not share our thoughts until our facts are gathered--

He is only doing so in order that we not fall into the pit of being ashamed of our errant conclusions.

Slow down.

Pray.

Establish relationships that lead to open conversations.

Don't be in a hurry!

THOSE WHO COME AFTER

Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed." Psalm 112:1-2 KJV

Blessed means known by God, protected by God and favored by God.

It means He acknowledges us as His very own.

Not only does that thrill His heart, it should impact each and every thing we do.

It's reason to praise the Lord!

But the reason for praise reaches far beyond God knowing us, protecting us and favoring us--we should rejoice because while we fear and delight in the Lord, those who come after us will know about Him.

We will leave an inheritance of God's blessing on the lives of our loved ones.

We will impact generations.

Blessed are we! Blessed will they be!

JUST WHAT WE NEED

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"Give me wisdom and understanding..." 1 Chronicles 1:4 NLT

What do you want? God had asked Solomon in a dream.

Solomon, the newly appointed king.

Solomon, a man of wealth.

What could a king, a rich king, ever need or want?

Wisdom and understanding.

It's all any of us really need.

Ever.

Even on the days when we stand before God begging for provision, wisdom and understanding are what we need. 

You see, Solomon didn't need a thing--neither do we.

We just need to know, through wisdom and understanding, what to do with what we already have been given.

 

BLESSING ISRAEL

Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"...Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you." Numbers 24:9 NLT 

Just so you know...

You needn't be a scholar of Israel to bless them.

You don't have to even be able to locate the nation of Israel on a map.

Or speak Hebrew or Aramaic.

Or be able to pronounce the names of the many towns or people the Bible refers to in regards to this great nation.

To bless Israel is as simple as a one line prayer...

Lord, guide those who rule in Israel's government.

God, lead nations to uphold and support Israel in their times of need.

Father, keep Your hand of protection on this little, but mighty, nation of Yours.

God, raise up a remnant of believers in the nation of Israel that will lead more of them to You.

Lord, continue Your faithfulness to Israel.

The Bible tells us that when we intentionally bless Israel, God will bless us. Why wouldn't we? A nation that close to our Father's heart should be close to ours as well.

GOING TO BAT

Today's reading: Philemon

Philemon was Paul's friend.

Paul writes the book of Philemon as a personal request from one friend to another. Paul had a huge favor to ask of Philemon.

One that might stretch the limits of their friendship.

One that might push the bar on Philemon's faith.

One that held the future of another man in the balance.

Paul was going to bat for Philemon's former slave, Onesimus.

Onesimus had done Philemon wrong. He had done him dirty in some way or another. Onesimus had crossed a line.

But then Onesimus met God.

He met his Savior while in prison with Paul.

And now Paul was writing this letter to Philemon asking for restoration between he and Onesimus.

Think about someone going to bat for you. Willing to stand up for the new and improved you. Someone who sees potential in your mess. Someone who evaluates and measure your value in terms not associated with your past. Someone who says, 'Awe, come on, give them another chance!'

That's what Paul did for Onesimus.

That's what Jesus does for us!

He constantly intercedes on our behalf to God. He says, 'I know what they have done--but they can do greater things!'

What a friend we have in Jesus!

 

 I AM HE

Today's reading: John 16-18

"And as he said, I am he, they all fell backward to the ground!" John 18:6 NLT

The setting is a olive grove.

The nighttime scene is lit with lanterns and torches.

The mood is tense.

The army of soldiers faced off against a teacher from Nazareth.

A man lacking rank. Lacking title. Lacking supporters that might stand against the squadron.

But a man now lacking military strength.

Without raising his voice, he simply says, I am he, when told they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth.

And at the acknowledgement of the name, these strongmen fall to their knees.

They are humbled, crippled and toppled by the words of this carpenter's son.

Their power is one-upped by this meek rabbi.

What a reminder of the power in the name of Jesus! 

 I WILL NOT FORGET IT

Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"This is what the Lord says: The people of Damascus have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it..." Amos 1:3 NLT

Amos begins his prophetic book with a statement that will be repeated four more times...

'This is what the Lord says...The people of...sinned again and again...I will not forget it...'

Amos records what God says about Damascus, Gaza, Tyre and Ammon, who were Amos-time threats to God's people, the Israelites.

God sets a mark on these enemy nations.

He states clearly that He knows what they have done.

He also proclaims He will not forget it.

That single phrase, I will not forget it, has caught my attention this morning.

When it comes to enemies and their attacks on God's people, God will not forget.

And I believe it.

One day there will come a reckoning. One day they will pay for what they've done. One day what He remembers, He will correct.

It's God's remembering that gives me pause...

You see, the same God who chooses not to forget what enemy lands have done to His people, chooses to forget the sins we bring to Him.

He forgives and forgets each and every wrong we present to Him for forgiveness.

He chooses to forget those things, while remembering the wrongs of the enemy.

He chooses to forgive and forget--as far as the east is from the west.

Doesn't that show His majesty, His justness, His love for His people?

PRAY HARDER

Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice." Proverbs 23:9 NLT

There are those among us who make it a priority to exhibit their foolishness--by their words, their ways and their refusal to accept any other course of action than their own.

What do we do with such people?

Well, Solomon, by Divine guidance, gives us sound advice--don't waste your breath on them.

Sounds harsh?

Do you fear it has a tinge of un-Christlikeness?

Not so sure that's the godly way of handling others?

It does seem a little cut and dry, but while Solomon tells us not to waste our breath on them, the Holy Spirit leads us to pray all the more for them.

Pray for their hearts.

Pray for their minds to come around to right thinking.

Pray for their spirits to accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

So while we can follow the advice of this proverb, in not wasting our breath, we must realize there is never a prayer wasted on anyone!

When the person won't listen to you, know that God will listen to you in regards to them. 

GO RIGHT ON REJOICING

Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

"Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!" Psalm 109:28 NLT

You can't help but love a psalm that has three exclamation points in one verse! The grammatical punctuations catch your attention. It makes the verse pulse with emotion. It fully exposes David's feelings.

But the use of these exciting additions to the verse also give us pause to think about how important the words are.

Let them curse me, if they like, but you will bless me!

When they attack me, they will be disgraced!

But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!

These are not statements made by someone who is partially convinced of God's goodness.

These aren't words penned by someone whose faith is reserved for Sundays.

These are not exclamations given by someone who has heard of God's mercy through a second-hand account.

David believed in God. He trusted God with his life. He knew God's track record. David was determined to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the world threw his way.

Could you state the same things? Might your faithfulness to God urge you to write a 'verse or two' with such enthusiasm, belief and faith?

THIS CHARGE

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"So now, with God as our witness, I give you this charge for all Israel, the Lord's assembly: Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance." 1 Chronicles 28:8 NLT

David, shepherd, giant-killer, musician, psalm-writer, army general, king and man after God's heart, gave one instruction to Israel--and to us...

Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God.

He didn't instruct the people to continue following after him.

He didn't say they would do well if they continually support the Davidic family.

He didn't push them to continue to pay taxes.

He didn't lead them into alliances with neighboring countries.

His instruction--follow God's commands.

And in doing so, they would possess the good land and leave an inheritance to their children.

Isn't that what we want for those who follow after us?

Good living conditions, but even more importantly, godly living conditions.

What is it you are doing today to secure that kind of inheritance for those who follow after you?

TITHING MY BLESSINGS

Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"The Lord also told Moses, Say this to the Levites: When you receive the tithes from the Israelites, give a tenth of the tithes you receive--a tithe of the tithe--to the Lord as a gift." Numbers 18:25 NLT

Ever thought about tithing your blessings?

We offer God our tenth of our paychecks, but do we give to Him a tithe on all the other ways He blesses us?

It's got me thinking this morning...

For every so many compliments I receive, I should compliment another.

For every so many cards/notes/letters of encouragement I pull out of the mailbox, I should encourage another.

For every so many prayers I receive on behalf of myself or my loved ones, I should be praying for others and their needs.

For every so many 'hands up' I receive, I should be offering a 'hands up' to another.

God has given me so much--am I tithing, or giving back, a portion of His blessings?

It's not a matter of tit-for-tat.

It's not about being 'one up'.

It's not even about keeping score, carrying an ongoing spiritual checklist or never owing anyone.

It's about realizing Who it is that has gifted me with so many blessings, and in response to His generosity, attempt to give back.

What better way can I thank Him, serve others and be intentional in acknowledging His goodness?

BUT AS FOR YOU

Today's reading: Titus

"But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching." Titus 2:1 NLT

But as for you...

It's easy to point fingers at others.

It's become a national past time--blame placing.

But when we take on the 'but as for me' mindset, things change.

When we seek God and desire to follow His ways, lives are impacted for the good.

Where is it that you might need to be making doubly sure that 'you' are living the right way--no matter how anyone else chooses to live?

 

GREATER THINGS
Today's reading: John 13-15

"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." John 14:12 NLT

I love what my Bible commentary says about this verse...

Jesus is not saying that his disciples would do greater works--after all, raising the dead is about as amazing as you can get. Rather, the disciples, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, would carry the Good News of God's Kingdom out of Palestine and into the whole world.

Isn't it exciting to know that God has entrusted us with spreading the news about Jesus?

Where we are.

To whom we interact.

With the skill set He has given us.

When we are so full of Him that we cannot help but burst.

Knowing we have inside our imperfect selves the answer to all that ails the world.

It's making me ask myself this morning--Am I doing greater things? Have I carried 'the baton' in this race? 

 

NO FRUIT

Today's reading: Joel

"Dress yourselves in sackcloth, you priests! Wail, you who serve before the altar! Come, spend the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! There is no grain or wine to offer at the Temple of your God." Joel 1:13 NLT

Joel, an Old Testament prophet, instructed the church folk to mourn.

To cry over the fact that there was not enough 'fruit' being produced outside the church to warrant a 'good church service' come Sabbath day.

Everyone wanted to attend the services, but no one wanted to put in the labor of preparing for the service--before or after.

Pew sitting.

Choir singing. 

Wear the suit.

Look the part.

Sunday morning believers.

Sign me up, they all said!

But what about the rest of the week? What about when the church is allowed, by God's grace, to be the church outside the walls of its building?

When we get to reach the lost?

When we get to come alongside other creations of the Lord on their walk?

When we are given opportunity to dig into our Bibles?

When we get to infect the community with what we 'caught' on Sunday?

What will happen in your house of worship when enough fruit isn't produced for a Sunday service to be held?

LOOK THEM IN THE EYE

Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them both." Proverbs 22:2 NLT

Think about it...

The people who love you, the people who have molded you into the image of Jesus, the people who have poured their hearts and souls into your becoming a model citizen, good soldier and believing Christian--it's easy to see God in them. Isn't it?

It gets a little harder to see Him in the lives, attitudes and actions of those who cross us.

The unkind supervisor.

The unlovely neighbor.

The unkempt man on the corner.

But when we look anyone, anyone at all, in the eye--we should see God.

We should be immediately brought back to the fact that we are all made in the image of our Creator.

So choose to look everyone in the eye.

Pause long enough to catch Him reflection in their faces.

Remember you both have the same Father.

Then, only then, act accordingly. 

ARE WE IMPRESSED?

Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord's miracles. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea." Psalm 106:7 NLT

Think of the miracles the Israelites saw God perform on their behalf during their 40 year wildnerness wandering:

-watching the Death Angel pass over their homes

-leaving with gifts from the Egyptians

-parting of the Red Sea

-manna and quail for 40 years

-water from rocks

-pillars of fire and of clouds to lead them

-shoes that never wore out

-bodies that didn't give up

-a leader that leave them high and dry after all their antics, grumbles and complaints

-a land that was as much, if not more, that He promised it would be

After all they had seen, tasted, felt and heard, they were not impressed enough by the Lord to continue seeking after them with all their hearts.

What about us?

With all we see Him do around us, for us, through us, with us, in spite of us--are we impressed by His miracles to the extent that we are sold out to His service?

Not just 'big miracles' like healings, averted car crashes or job offers. 

No, what about the every day little miracles like provision, sunrises and sunsets, hearts that beat and lungs that breath without our assistance, located keys, His love for us no matter our attention to Him?

Are you impressed by the Lord's miracles on a day to day basis? Are you remembering His kindness to you every day?