What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You’ve done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—but you’ve let me in on it.
2nd Samuel 7:20-21 The Message
Before Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. Before His never-ending Grace poured out. Before all the New Testament promises we sing and cling to.
Despite our sin. Despite our unbelief. Despite all the mistakes we make and heights we cannot attain on our own.
Not because of our earthly heritage - great or orphaned. Not because of any great deeds we have or have not completed. Not because of who we are - in any way, shape or form...
Before the foundation of the world, He knew us. All our frailty, all our failures, all we would ever do wrong. Every sin we would ever commit, unknowingly or knowingly. And yet if we believe His Word, our eternity is secure in Him. Permanently. Because of who HE is and has always been...
He is I AM. He who was, and is, and is to come!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as King David prayed, Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 15, 2025
Promise for Today - Permanently
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Promise for Today - Needing a Miracle
Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
John 11:43-44 NLT
We love this miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We've heard all the teachings about how Jesus had to call him by name; otherwise, ALL the dead would have come out at Jesus' command. It's SO exciting to think about that, right? We all want to be on board for the miracle. We love the very idea! But let's unwrap the making of a miracle...
When do you need one? It's not when everything is going well. It's not when everyone's relationship with the Lord is going great. It's not when all the bills are paid, the kids are healthy, and your marriage is perfect. We need a miracle when we're at our most desperate.
And when we're desperate, do we believe Jesus loves us, or do we believe that somehow we're being punished? Do we start to doubt God and His ability? His plan? Think about Mary, Martha and Lazarus when Jesus didn't come right away. He said He loved them. They believed He did... but He didn't come in time. "If You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died..." It is in that place that we have the makings of the miracle.
Jesus told Martha in verse 25 that He is the Resurrection and the Life. What happens in a resurrection? Life is restored to something that is dead - something in which there is no life left. Is it your relationship? Is it your dream? Whatever it is, let's unwrap it and see the miracle.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see the miracle in the making. Cause our hearts to trust You in all things, to walk in faith and not be moved by what we see or hear. We choose You! Thy will be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
We love this miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We've heard all the teachings about how Jesus had to call him by name; otherwise, ALL the dead would have come out at Jesus' command. It's SO exciting to think about that, right? We all want to be on board for the miracle. We love the very idea! But let's unwrap the making of a miracle...
When do you need one? It's not when everything is going well. It's not when everyone's relationship with the Lord is going great. It's not when all the bills are paid, the kids are healthy, and your marriage is perfect. We need a miracle when we're at our most desperate.
And when we're desperate, do we believe Jesus loves us, or do we believe that somehow we're being punished? Do we start to doubt God and His ability? His plan? Think about Mary, Martha and Lazarus when Jesus didn't come right away. He said He loved them. They believed He did... but He didn't come in time. "If You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died..." It is in that place that we have the makings of the miracle.
Jesus told Martha in verse 25 that He is the Resurrection and the Life. What happens in a resurrection? Life is restored to something that is dead - something in which there is no life left. Is it your relationship? Is it your dream? Whatever it is, let's unwrap it and see the miracle.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see the miracle in the making. Cause our hearts to trust You in all things, to walk in faith and not be moved by what we see or hear. We choose You! Thy will be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Promise for Today - The Land of Nothing
The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”
2nd Samuel 9:3a NLT
You might know the story. Mephibosheth was Jonathon's son; Saul's grandson. At five years of age, he was crippled when his nurse picked him up, but fell with him while fleeing for their lives when she heard that both Jonathan and Saul were dead. She had reason to fear; it was customary at that time to kill all the descendants of an embattled king.
Years later, David recalled his covenant with Jonathan and sought to show God's kindness to anyone who was still alive. In this passage (and even further on in 2nd Samuel), Mephibosheth is the epitome of humility and brokenness. Because he was crippled in both feet, he would forever need someone to help him. Once a prince, they found him living in the land of Lo Debar - which means 'pastureless, land of nothing'.
Isn't that like many of us? We think we have it all and then life takes a turn that we never saw coming, and we are left broken, whether spiritually, physically, emotionally, or even financially.
The Truth is, without Christ, we have nothing. We are in a modern Lo Debar.
However, when the King seeks you out, you will eat with Him at His table. You will be cared for and redeemed. Every provision will be made for you. You will be restored. Don't assume it should be your birthright. Our only birthright as sinners is death, hell, and the grave, but thank God! We have been redeemed. Stay humble before your God, and you will live as heirs with Christ.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us first - for seeking and saving the lost, which we were. Thank You for taking our brokenness and redeeming us, restoring us. Let us never lose sight of all You have done, all You are doing, and all You will continue to do until the last day. We know that You have begun a good work in us and will complete it for Your glory. Give us the strength and courage to finish our part. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
You might know the story. Mephibosheth was Jonathon's son; Saul's grandson. At five years of age, he was crippled when his nurse picked him up, but fell with him while fleeing for their lives when she heard that both Jonathan and Saul were dead. She had reason to fear; it was customary at that time to kill all the descendants of an embattled king.
Years later, David recalled his covenant with Jonathan and sought to show God's kindness to anyone who was still alive. In this passage (and even further on in 2nd Samuel), Mephibosheth is the epitome of humility and brokenness. Because he was crippled in both feet, he would forever need someone to help him. Once a prince, they found him living in the land of Lo Debar - which means 'pastureless, land of nothing'.
Isn't that like many of us? We think we have it all and then life takes a turn that we never saw coming, and we are left broken, whether spiritually, physically, emotionally, or even financially.
The Truth is, without Christ, we have nothing. We are in a modern Lo Debar.
However, when the King seeks you out, you will eat with Him at His table. You will be cared for and redeemed. Every provision will be made for you. You will be restored. Don't assume it should be your birthright. Our only birthright as sinners is death, hell, and the grave, but thank God! We have been redeemed. Stay humble before your God, and you will live as heirs with Christ.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us first - for seeking and saving the lost, which we were. Thank You for taking our brokenness and redeeming us, restoring us. Let us never lose sight of all You have done, all You are doing, and all You will continue to do until the last day. We know that You have begun a good work in us and will complete it for Your glory. Give us the strength and courage to finish our part. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, September 12, 2025
Promise for Today - On the Advice of Paul
Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NLTPaul’s Final Advice
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Promise for Today - Right Relationships
May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!
2nd Thessalonians 3:16 The Message
The life of a Christian is all about right relationships. The right relationship with God, relationships with other followers of Christ, and relationships with non-believers. I have to say at some points in life, it would be so much easier to be a selective hermit. There would be fewer opportunities to be angry or spiteful. Less time consumed with solving other people’s issues for their lack of planning, resulting in fewer opportunities to judge. So much less chance of offense if you’re not around other people.
Right off the top of my head, I see two major things wrong with that. One – The Word tells us that they’ll know we are Christians by our love toward each other, and if we choose NOT to be around others because we can’t stand to be around them… well, I just don’t think we need to go any further there.
The writer of Hebrews instructs us in 12:14 to "work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears."
And two, if we’re never tested, how will we know? James 3:17a tells us that "Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced."
It can be very hard work. That too is acknowledged and issued for instruction as the second part of that same Scripture assures us we "can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."
So, I’d have to say, No, we can’t all just get along. Without God, it’s impossible. However, with God, all things are possible. Difficult, at times, but definitely possible.
Prayer:
Father,
Hear our cry for right relationship with You. How You could love us in our unlovable state and continue to do so during our petty differences is beyond me. Help us to learn by following Your example toward US. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
2nd Thessalonians 3:16 The Message
The life of a Christian is all about right relationships. The right relationship with God, relationships with other followers of Christ, and relationships with non-believers. I have to say at some points in life, it would be so much easier to be a selective hermit. There would be fewer opportunities to be angry or spiteful. Less time consumed with solving other people’s issues for their lack of planning, resulting in fewer opportunities to judge. So much less chance of offense if you’re not around other people.
Right off the top of my head, I see two major things wrong with that. One – The Word tells us that they’ll know we are Christians by our love toward each other, and if we choose NOT to be around others because we can’t stand to be around them… well, I just don’t think we need to go any further there.
The writer of Hebrews instructs us in 12:14 to "work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears."
And two, if we’re never tested, how will we know? James 3:17a tells us that "Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced."
It can be very hard work. That too is acknowledged and issued for instruction as the second part of that same Scripture assures us we "can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."
So, I’d have to say, No, we can’t all just get along. Without God, it’s impossible. However, with God, all things are possible. Difficult, at times, but definitely possible.
Prayer:
Father,
Hear our cry for right relationship with You. How You could love us in our unlovable state and continue to do so during our petty differences is beyond me. Help us to learn by following Your example toward US. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Promise for Today Favorite - Double Standards
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.
Galatians 5:16-17b NLT
Living with a double standard has always been a source of contention for those who have to deal with it. We are quick to fly in with blazing sword (or tongue) when we see an injustice based on a double standard – which is commendable, but can also be laughable…
What? You don’t think so? Well, let me ask you this. How many times have you been on the road behind someone who is driving less than desirably (by your standards) and when you finally get the opportunity to get around them, you discover they’re talking on a cell phone or even worse - texting? And from the so-called safety of your moving vehicle with the windows rolled up, you react with something like, “Quit texting before you kill somebody!” or “Hang up and drive!” and then YOUR cell phone rings with a call or buzzes with a text… and you answer it because after all, you know how to safely drive and talk on the phone, right? Double standard.
Or, as Christians, we’re quick to spout off about those who follow the desires of their sinful nature according to Galatians 5…sexual immorality, lustful pleasures, drunkenness, wild parties, idolatry, sorcery… "Why, Henry, that’s devil worship! Scripture is clear that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God!!" Yes, that’s what it states alright - a clear standard – however, that passage in its entirety reads, "19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, HOSTILITY, QUARRELING, JEALOUSY, OUTBURTS OF ANGER, SELFISH AMBITION, DISSENSION, DIVISION, 21 ENVY, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God."
Imagine that! Hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, and envy right smack dab in the middle between sorcery and drunkenness… oh, my!
There is only one standard. One God. One Way. God said through Jeremiah in chapter 32, verse 39, "And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them…" One heart – no division, no dissension…
Is there no hope? Yes, there is always hope in God through Christ our Lord! Our text (Galatians 5) in the New King James version tells us "if we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Read down a little farther in the chapter and we find, "22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Continuing on, we find in verse 24 that the good news is "24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."
One God. One Way – Jesus. There is only one standard. His. Pure and simple and undefiled by our double standards.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to walk in the Spirit, so that we won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Let the Holy Spirit have His way in our lives so we may walk according to Your divine plan – in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Living with a double standard has always been a source of contention for those who have to deal with it. We are quick to fly in with blazing sword (or tongue) when we see an injustice based on a double standard – which is commendable, but can also be laughable…
What? You don’t think so? Well, let me ask you this. How many times have you been on the road behind someone who is driving less than desirably (by your standards) and when you finally get the opportunity to get around them, you discover they’re talking on a cell phone or even worse - texting? And from the so-called safety of your moving vehicle with the windows rolled up, you react with something like, “Quit texting before you kill somebody!” or “Hang up and drive!” and then YOUR cell phone rings with a call or buzzes with a text… and you answer it because after all, you know how to safely drive and talk on the phone, right? Double standard.
Or, as Christians, we’re quick to spout off about those who follow the desires of their sinful nature according to Galatians 5…sexual immorality, lustful pleasures, drunkenness, wild parties, idolatry, sorcery… "Why, Henry, that’s devil worship! Scripture is clear that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God!!" Yes, that’s what it states alright - a clear standard – however, that passage in its entirety reads, "19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, HOSTILITY, QUARRELING, JEALOUSY, OUTBURTS OF ANGER, SELFISH AMBITION, DISSENSION, DIVISION, 21 ENVY, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God."
Imagine that! Hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, and envy right smack dab in the middle between sorcery and drunkenness… oh, my!
There is only one standard. One God. One Way. God said through Jeremiah in chapter 32, verse 39, "And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them…" One heart – no division, no dissension…
Is there no hope? Yes, there is always hope in God through Christ our Lord! Our text (Galatians 5) in the New King James version tells us "if we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Read down a little farther in the chapter and we find, "22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Continuing on, we find in verse 24 that the good news is "24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."
One God. One Way – Jesus. There is only one standard. His. Pure and simple and undefiled by our double standards.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to walk in the Spirit, so that we won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Let the Holy Spirit have His way in our lives so we may walk according to Your divine plan – in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Promise for Today - Securely Tied
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Do I love Him? Do I love Him enough to be faithful to what He has instructed me?
If I love Him like He loves Me, then I am not free to do whatever I want to do. My love for Him binds me to Him and restricts me from acting in ways that are contrary to what He has purposed for my life.
Talk is cheap. Prove your love by what you won't do. Be willing to be tied securely with the ribbons of His love.
Prayer:
Father,
How like the enemy of our souls to cheapen the very words that express our love and commitment to You. Remove the distractions and let us focus completely on You, Father, to love You and keep Your commandments. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
John 14:15 NKJV
Alan Neel said it best when he said, "Love is a commitment that requires sacrifice that is expressed in complete obedience."
It's really not about what I can or cannot do. It's about love.
Alan Neel said it best when he said, "Love is a commitment that requires sacrifice that is expressed in complete obedience."
It's really not about what I can or cannot do. It's about love.
Do I love Him? Do I love Him enough to be faithful to what He has instructed me?
If I love Him like He loves Me, then I am not free to do whatever I want to do. My love for Him binds me to Him and restricts me from acting in ways that are contrary to what He has purposed for my life.
Talk is cheap. Prove your love by what you won't do. Be willing to be tied securely with the ribbons of His love.
Prayer:
Father,
How like the enemy of our souls to cheapen the very words that express our love and commitment to You. Remove the distractions and let us focus completely on You, Father, to love You and keep Your commandments. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 8, 2025
Promise for Today Reminder - A Hundred to One
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
2nd Corinthians 9:7-9 NLT
Here's how the story goes:
A well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed one-hundred-dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The hundred-dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country.
"I've had a pretty good life," the hundred proclaimed. "I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Orleans and San Francisco, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."
"Wow!" said the one-dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"
"So, tell me," says the hundred, "Where have you been throughout your lifetime?"
The one-dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Baptist Church, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church..."
"Wait! Wait!" The hundred-dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"
2nd Corinthians 9:7-9 NLT
Here's how the story goes:
A well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed one-hundred-dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The hundred-dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country.
"I've had a pretty good life," the hundred proclaimed. "I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Orleans and San Francisco, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."
"Wow!" said the one-dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"
"So, tell me," says the hundred, "Where have you been throughout your lifetime?"
The one-dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Baptist Church, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church..."
"Wait! Wait!" The hundred-dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"
Well, we might chuckle, but sadly, if money actually talked, this conversation could very likely have taken place! Relax! I'm not here to take up an offering. But I would like to remind you that tithing and giving are part of a covenant relationship, and according to Malachi 3:10, we are to "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!" Note this is the only place where God says we may test Him...
I have come to learn that the giving principle works in every area of life and that receiving isn't all about the bucks. If I sow my time by volunteering or helping a friend, invariably, I wind up with enough time for what's on my schedule and some to spare to do it again. If I sow kindness, I will receive kindness in great measure. If I sow love, I reap it in bundles too large and overwhelming to comprehend. If I sow mercy and/or grace, I will get it abundantly in return...and I need it. And when God sees I need some more of any of it, He pours out! Scripture reads, "Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands."
I don't know about you, but I don't want the representation of the life that precedes me to Heaven to be a one-dollar bill equivalent. I want to pour it out and give it my all. That's what Jesus did AND still does!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see the beauty of Your majesty, to receive Your great love for us and to us through others. Teach us to give ALL, just as You gave all for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
I have come to learn that the giving principle works in every area of life and that receiving isn't all about the bucks. If I sow my time by volunteering or helping a friend, invariably, I wind up with enough time for what's on my schedule and some to spare to do it again. If I sow kindness, I will receive kindness in great measure. If I sow love, I reap it in bundles too large and overwhelming to comprehend. If I sow mercy and/or grace, I will get it abundantly in return...and I need it. And when God sees I need some more of any of it, He pours out! Scripture reads, "Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands."
I don't know about you, but I don't want the representation of the life that precedes me to Heaven to be a one-dollar bill equivalent. I want to pour it out and give it my all. That's what Jesus did AND still does!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see the beauty of Your majesty, to receive Your great love for us and to us through others. Teach us to give ALL, just as You gave all for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Promise for Today - Kingdom Living
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 NKJV
Right from here, let me assure you this is NOT a political statement. However, to properly reveal how I have been corrected, I have to provide a little American history background.
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' This sentence - from the Declaration of Independence - is one of the best-known sentences in the English language and has been called "the most potent and consequential words in American history," according to a book titled "American Creation". The Declaration justified the independence of the United States by listing grievances against the crown, asserting certain so-called “natural rights,” including the right of revolution.
People who are born and raised in the U.S. usually have a different view than most everyone else about the world and the way they think it should be. Unless one has traveled or lived outside of the continental United States, the prevailing mindset is we have our rights - certain 'unalienable Rights' – and that’s all there is to it. (And if you are blessed and highly favored of God enough so that you get to live in Texas – well, I’d say that statement alone is proof that there is a certain – shall we say – convinced attitude – of what rights are natural and unalienable…) And as Americans (whether Texan or not), if anything goes against our grain or “violates” our rights, we’re going to do something about it. (And right up to this point, I’m amen-ing and nodding approval and in 100% agreement with myself…)
However, a few years back, my very Texan, very American pastor poked a great gaping hole in my Texas/American attitude and made me look at myself in the Light of Truth. What am I FIRST– a Lover of Texas? An American? Or a Christian? Where do I pledge my allegiance and faith? By what rules do I live? Where is my heart?!?
Well, I’m a Christian Texas-loving American… However, the Word reads, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." As Christians, we’re no longer in a democracy; we’re in a kingdom. God’s kingdom. He rules… with HIS rules.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive me for every time I try to bend the rules to accommodate myself – to try to justify my own wants and my own desires. I want to follow You. I want to live the way You want me to live. Help me, Father. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
Matthew 6:10 NKJV
Right from here, let me assure you this is NOT a political statement. However, to properly reveal how I have been corrected, I have to provide a little American history background.
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' This sentence - from the Declaration of Independence - is one of the best-known sentences in the English language and has been called "the most potent and consequential words in American history," according to a book titled "American Creation". The Declaration justified the independence of the United States by listing grievances against the crown, asserting certain so-called “natural rights,” including the right of revolution.
People who are born and raised in the U.S. usually have a different view than most everyone else about the world and the way they think it should be. Unless one has traveled or lived outside of the continental United States, the prevailing mindset is we have our rights - certain 'unalienable Rights' – and that’s all there is to it. (And if you are blessed and highly favored of God enough so that you get to live in Texas – well, I’d say that statement alone is proof that there is a certain – shall we say – convinced attitude – of what rights are natural and unalienable…) And as Americans (whether Texan or not), if anything goes against our grain or “violates” our rights, we’re going to do something about it. (And right up to this point, I’m amen-ing and nodding approval and in 100% agreement with myself…)
However, a few years back, my very Texan, very American pastor poked a great gaping hole in my Texas/American attitude and made me look at myself in the Light of Truth. What am I FIRST– a Lover of Texas? An American? Or a Christian? Where do I pledge my allegiance and faith? By what rules do I live? Where is my heart?!?
Well, I’m a Christian Texas-loving American… However, the Word reads, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." As Christians, we’re no longer in a democracy; we’re in a kingdom. God’s kingdom. He rules… with HIS rules.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive me for every time I try to bend the rules to accommodate myself – to try to justify my own wants and my own desires. I want to follow You. I want to live the way You want me to live. Help me, Father. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Promise for Today Favorite - Living Proof
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Proverbs 20:7 NLT
You may not have children of your own, but most of us have seen babies who are learning to walk, so regardless, you'll have a point of reference. When my children were babies, I could teach them how to pull themselves up to stand. I could even offer them a hand. I could support them under their arms while they bounced and jumped and strengthened their leg muscles. I would hold both hands so they could stay up and not fall, but they had to make their legs and feet move. I would encourage them - even entice them with a toy or treat - but until they decided they wanted to and made up their mind to do it, they did not take one step on their own.
You can't make a baby walk unless he or she is ready to walk - whether it's an actual baby or someone trying to follow Jesus. By the same token, in order for the child to be able to walk on its own, you have to let go. They will totter, and stumble, and trip, and they will fall. And after a few falls, they may even decide just to sit or crawl for a while and try that walking thing a little later. They will get bruised, scraped up - they might even bleed and have scars as a result - but eventually, they will learn to walk because they choose to do so.
And the longer they do it, the better they get at it. You're living proof...so make sure you walk with integrity.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to be good stewards of who and what You have given us. Continue to give us revelation wisdom so we can teach others about You and how to walk in Your way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Proverbs 20:7 NLT
You can't make a baby walk unless he or she is ready to walk - whether it's an actual baby or someone trying to follow Jesus. By the same token, in order for the child to be able to walk on its own, you have to let go. They will totter, and stumble, and trip, and they will fall. And after a few falls, they may even decide just to sit or crawl for a while and try that walking thing a little later. They will get bruised, scraped up - they might even bleed and have scars as a result - but eventually, they will learn to walk because they choose to do so.
And the longer they do it, the better they get at it. You're living proof...so make sure you walk with integrity.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to be good stewards of who and what You have given us. Continue to give us revelation wisdom so we can teach others about You and how to walk in Your way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Promise for Today - If We So Choose
He [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2nd Corinthians 1:4 NLTShort and to the point. This is not a ministry of apologetics. I am a firm believer that God does not need nor does He want anyone to apologize for anything He does or anything He allows to touch our lives.
I most definitely believe that God can and will use everything that happens to us - good or bad - to create and/or strengthen Christ-like character in us... IF we allow Him to work in us. IF we choose to forgive. IF we choose the counsel of His Word over what we want to do in the flesh.
You've been through a bad time? Did God get you through? Share it! You've been an addict and God delivered you? Share it! You've been abused? Molested? Held captive - literally or spiritually? Lost it all? God healed you and set you free?!? Share it! Or maybe you didn't get healed, but God has given you the grace to walk through it. I can't list everything here - but you get the picture.
God has comforted you and now you are to comfort others with the comfort He gave you!
And if you are NOW going through these things - I can put you in touch with people who have a testimony - those who know the way God will get you through because He did it for them! And I guarantee He will do it for you. That should be a comfort!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always sending someone to light our way with the oil of Your grace and to lighten our load with the comfort of Your Word for us and to us. Thank You, Father, for loving us beyond our expectation and even our ability to comprehend the depth of it. Thank You for every hard place we've ever been in that worked a measure of compassion and grace in us to be able to comfort others. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us to share those comforts to hurting hearts and souls in our sphere of influence and beyond. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Promise for Today Favorite - Can't Argue with That
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Galatians 5:16-17 NLT
I remember a particular time when my life was an illustrated sermon of this Scripture passage. I had an appointment where I had to interact with a technician. For a moment, I couldn't make up my mind whether I was going to write "forced me" or "allowed me to interact" but in all reality, it was both. At the beginning, I felt forced.
I can't explain it, but the minute the person opened her mouth, it went right to my last nerve and I was irritated. I wanted to be judge, jury and executioner, but felt the nudge in my heart to hold my tongue. To just be quiet. Hold my peace. I wanted so badly to point out and emphasize each of this person's inefficiencies, but the thought came unbidden, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" and I was reminded of every time God had shown me mercy and offered me grace for mistakes I made when I was trying to do the right thing. How could I argue with that?
In Phase 2 of the interaction, I thought I might get a different tech. No, not a chance. Same person and for the second phase, I was the captive audience for over an hour. While the tech ranted and raved about politics and conspiracies that had nothing to do with the work being done, I was trying to convince God that there was no possible reason I should have to listen to her drivel. I could make it stop. He reminded me of all the times He had listened to me rant and rave about everything and anything. And He reminded me that when I would finally run out of steam, He would speak a Word of Truth to my situation, and I would be changed. Then He graciously topped it off with this passage in Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (vv. 12-14 NLT). I definitely could not argue with that.
And sure enough, there came a place in the one-sided conversation where she asked an open-ended question, which then gave me the perfect opportunity to say that my trust is in God, and not in the government. That God alone has the plan and purpose for not only us, but also for all the elections and the world. Next thing you know, she's pouring out her heart about circumstances in her family, and God allowed the opportunity for me to speak Truth to her situation. And while I just planted the seeds into her life, I know someone else will come along and water those seeds, and God will give the increase because His Word says He will (1st Corinthians 3:6).
Now, for good measure to test the battle in my flesh, after I left the facility the second time, the tech called me again to say she'd forgotten to send me for the third part while I was there and asked when I could come back. I wanted to be mad. I really wanted to... but I got a mental image of the seed just sown being burned up before it had a chance to root. How do I argue with that?
Reflecting on the day where I spent much of it in battle with myself, I am grateful that God, in His great mercy and love, provides companions for this journey who point out His goodness and who help to keep me focused on what truly matters. I am thrilled that I can thank God for the victory He gave instead of suffering the guilt of wounding someone and missing His purpose for today. And while my preference would be a day without battles, His ways are not our ways. And I sure can't argue with that!
Prayer:
Father,
As it is written in Romans 5:3-5, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly You love us, because You have given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with Your love." Please continue to grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
I remember a particular time when my life was an illustrated sermon of this Scripture passage. I had an appointment where I had to interact with a technician. For a moment, I couldn't make up my mind whether I was going to write "forced me" or "allowed me to interact" but in all reality, it was both. At the beginning, I felt forced.
I can't explain it, but the minute the person opened her mouth, it went right to my last nerve and I was irritated. I wanted to be judge, jury and executioner, but felt the nudge in my heart to hold my tongue. To just be quiet. Hold my peace. I wanted so badly to point out and emphasize each of this person's inefficiencies, but the thought came unbidden, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" and I was reminded of every time God had shown me mercy and offered me grace for mistakes I made when I was trying to do the right thing. How could I argue with that?
In Phase 2 of the interaction, I thought I might get a different tech. No, not a chance. Same person and for the second phase, I was the captive audience for over an hour. While the tech ranted and raved about politics and conspiracies that had nothing to do with the work being done, I was trying to convince God that there was no possible reason I should have to listen to her drivel. I could make it stop. He reminded me of all the times He had listened to me rant and rave about everything and anything. And He reminded me that when I would finally run out of steam, He would speak a Word of Truth to my situation, and I would be changed. Then He graciously topped it off with this passage in Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (vv. 12-14 NLT). I definitely could not argue with that.
And sure enough, there came a place in the one-sided conversation where she asked an open-ended question, which then gave me the perfect opportunity to say that my trust is in God, and not in the government. That God alone has the plan and purpose for not only us, but also for all the elections and the world. Next thing you know, she's pouring out her heart about circumstances in her family, and God allowed the opportunity for me to speak Truth to her situation. And while I just planted the seeds into her life, I know someone else will come along and water those seeds, and God will give the increase because His Word says He will (1st Corinthians 3:6).
Now, for good measure to test the battle in my flesh, after I left the facility the second time, the tech called me again to say she'd forgotten to send me for the third part while I was there and asked when I could come back. I wanted to be mad. I really wanted to... but I got a mental image of the seed just sown being burned up before it had a chance to root. How do I argue with that?
Reflecting on the day where I spent much of it in battle with myself, I am grateful that God, in His great mercy and love, provides companions for this journey who point out His goodness and who help to keep me focused on what truly matters. I am thrilled that I can thank God for the victory He gave instead of suffering the guilt of wounding someone and missing His purpose for today. And while my preference would be a day without battles, His ways are not our ways. And I sure can't argue with that!
Prayer:
Father,
As it is written in Romans 5:3-5, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly You love us, because You have given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with Your love." Please continue to grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 1, 2025
A Favorite - The Perfect Intersection
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20 NLT
I cannot always wrap my mind around the depth of God’s love for mankind or the lengths to which He goes to prove His unconditional love for the vilest of mankind, but I believe with every fiber of my being that God is everything Scripture proclaims Him to be. I thought I might need to preface today’s promise with that declaration of faith because I may throw something out here that maybe you’ve never thought about. On the other hand, maybe I’m the last to realize it. I finally realized today that God understands - on a very personal level - the stress in life when dealing with people.
In today’s society, there’s much to be said about stress. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Frederick Saunders, author and poet, provided this famous quote ~ "Brain cells create ideas. Stress kills brain cells. Stress is not a good idea."
American theologian, Danzae Pace, said this about stress - "Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life."
I agree with both of those, but the quote that actually comes closer to my personal definition of it is this - Stress: The confusion created when one's mind overrides the body's basic desire to choke the living daylights out of whoever is not following one’s preferred plan…
God knows what it feels like to be angry. He knows first-hand the frustration and stress caused by people not following the preferred plan. It started in the Garden of Eden, remember? And how about those Israelites in the wilderness? And then in the Promised Land? Have you read the book of Jeremiah?!?
I don’t know about you, but when I get stressed in or about a situation and it becomes prolonged, I want to rid myself of it. Cut it off, kill it – whatever it takes to be gone. I want to be done with it. If I get to that place and I can see no change in sight or no hope of change, then I find myself at a crossroad – an intersection where I can choose what suits my flesh (which is to cut and run) or I can choose to follow God. If I choose to follow God’s example, I have to properly weigh all the components to determine the best outcome of love in action for all involved. First and foremost, I must recognize and understand what hangs in the balance.
That's what God did. He weighed it all - all the sin and evil and wickedness of all mankind for all time - and chose His love over killing all of us and wiping out the human race.
When we hit that intersection, we must recognize and understand what hung in the balance. It was His Son.
The Cross. The intersection of holiness and love - the perfect drop-off location for our load of stress.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for creating the ultimate intersection and loving us in spite of our selfishness. Set us free from our own road hazards. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Promise for Today - Watering for a Harvest
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6 NKJV
I've read this Scripture countless times. I've sung the songs related to it ♪♫ Bringing in the sheaves! ♫ Bringing in the sheaves!♪♫ I've held on to the promise of reaping in joy so many times... But for some reason, I thought it was the tears that were being sown. I never made the connection that the tears were watering the seed I was sowing while I was weeping.
Psalm 126:5-6 NKJV
I've read this Scripture countless times. I've sung the songs related to it ♪♫ Bringing in the sheaves! ♫ Bringing in the sheaves!♪♫ I've held on to the promise of reaping in joy so many times... But for some reason, I thought it was the tears that were being sown. I never made the connection that the tears were watering the seed I was sowing while I was weeping.
Even so, I guarantee you that without a doubt, I have come rejoicing again and again, bringing in the sheaves! It may have been sheaves of a different kind in place of wheat, but God has never let me return empty-handed. He has always provided the harvest.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for tears to wash my eyes so that I could see Your goodness and the plan You have for me. Thank You for getting the most use out of everything that touches our lives, including the tears that water the seed. Provide the harvest, Father, we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for tears to wash my eyes so that I could see Your goodness and the plan You have for me. Thank You for getting the most use out of everything that touches our lives, including the tears that water the seed. Provide the harvest, Father, we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen
Friday, August 29, 2025
Promise for Today - Complete Sentence
Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
1st John 2:6 NLT
You may not have noticed that our Promise for Today is a complete sentence. There are no qualifying phrases such as "unless they are provoked"; "as long as they're not tired"; or "if they want to or feel like it".
Are we living our lives as Jesus did? In direct, immediate obedience to God?
You may not have noticed that our Promise for Today is a complete sentence. There are no qualifying phrases such as "unless they are provoked"; "as long as they're not tired"; or "if they want to or feel like it".
Are we living our lives as Jesus did? In direct, immediate obedience to God?
No murmuring, no complaining, no excuses, no arguing with God about circumstances or anything? If not, we must repent.
Repentance is sincere regret or remorse. It's a turning away from. It's hating ANYTHING that separates us from God. 2nd Corinthians 7:10 NLT tells us, "For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death."
Repentance is sincere regret or remorse. It's a turning away from. It's hating ANYTHING that separates us from God. 2nd Corinthians 7:10 NLT tells us, "For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death."
True repentance frees us from sin, enabling us to live as Jesus did. Complete.
Prayer:
Father,
Turn our hearts toward Your way and Your will. Help us to live as Jesus did. Holy and acceptable unto You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Prayer:
Father,
Turn our hearts toward Your way and Your will. Help us to live as Jesus did. Holy and acceptable unto You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Promise for Today - Are You There?
Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.
Proverbs 25:25 The Message
Have you ever been dry in your journey with the Lord? Have you ever been parched from the heat of the battle? Or worn out from wielding your sword, and weary from holding up your shield of faith? So busy fighting off the onslaught of the enemy that you couldn't even look to see if anyone was fighting with you? And half afraid to look in case there wasn't anyone there?
If so, then you know what it's like when you call out and hear a friend's voice answer. It IS like a cool drink of water; refreshing, strengthening, renewing, solidifying your place in the fight. Providing hope that enables you to stand when you've done all you can to stand, pushing you toward the Father, for the battle is His and the victory is ours!
So whether you're the caller or the callee - reach out! Someone needs to know you're there.
Prayer:
Father,
Cause us to be ever mindful of those around us who are fighting every day, spiritually, physically, emotionally. Let us see with Your heart of compassion so we may call out to them...just like You call to us. Let our words be words of hope, just as Yours are to us...Come all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest... Help us to not be weary in well-doing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Proverbs 25:25 The Message
Have you ever been dry in your journey with the Lord? Have you ever been parched from the heat of the battle? Or worn out from wielding your sword, and weary from holding up your shield of faith? So busy fighting off the onslaught of the enemy that you couldn't even look to see if anyone was fighting with you? And half afraid to look in case there wasn't anyone there?
If so, then you know what it's like when you call out and hear a friend's voice answer. It IS like a cool drink of water; refreshing, strengthening, renewing, solidifying your place in the fight. Providing hope that enables you to stand when you've done all you can to stand, pushing you toward the Father, for the battle is His and the victory is ours!
So whether you're the caller or the callee - reach out! Someone needs to know you're there.
Prayer:
Father,
Cause us to be ever mindful of those around us who are fighting every day, spiritually, physically, emotionally. Let us see with Your heart of compassion so we may call out to them...just like You call to us. Let our words be words of hope, just as Yours are to us...Come all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest... Help us to not be weary in well-doing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Reminder - Stirred, Not Shaken
All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord.
Exodus 35:21a NLT
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
In our younger years, my oldest brother, Ron, really liked James Bond movies. It was from one of those films that the phrase, "Shaken, not stirred," became famous. One of those random thoughts; stuck in the back of my mind. When I read our text for today, I was reminded of it, but immediately laughed at how God is so opposite of the world.
From the world's point of view, James Bond has always been portrayed as debonair, resourceful, and somehow always successful in getting the job done. Yet, he doesn't have friends and seems to have no clue how to build and keep a lasting, meaningful relationship. Shaken, not stirred could be his motto in life, not just how he orders a martini.
What I love about God is that He promises we will never be shaken, and He's not a man so He could not and would not lie about it (Numbers 23:19). Even in our deepest, darkest sin, when God reaches out to us - like He did the Israelites time after time - His love reaches so much deeper that our hearts are stirred. Our spirits are moved. We want to give.
In this life filled with chaos and crazy, I choose God's way - Stirred, NOT Shaken. How about you?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our spiritual eyes that we may see Your fingerprints all over our lives. Take what satan meant to shake us and make it an anchor for our soul in You. Stir our hearts, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
In our younger years, my oldest brother, Ron, really liked James Bond movies. It was from one of those films that the phrase, "Shaken, not stirred," became famous. One of those random thoughts; stuck in the back of my mind. When I read our text for today, I was reminded of it, but immediately laughed at how God is so opposite of the world.
From the world's point of view, James Bond has always been portrayed as debonair, resourceful, and somehow always successful in getting the job done. Yet, he doesn't have friends and seems to have no clue how to build and keep a lasting, meaningful relationship. Shaken, not stirred could be his motto in life, not just how he orders a martini.
What I love about God is that He promises we will never be shaken, and He's not a man so He could not and would not lie about it (Numbers 23:19). Even in our deepest, darkest sin, when God reaches out to us - like He did the Israelites time after time - His love reaches so much deeper that our hearts are stirred. Our spirits are moved. We want to give.
In this life filled with chaos and crazy, I choose God's way - Stirred, NOT Shaken. How about you?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our spiritual eyes that we may see Your fingerprints all over our lives. Take what satan meant to shake us and make it an anchor for our soul in You. Stir our hearts, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Promise for Today - Guest Author
I copied this article from a woman named Amy (her link is included at the end) and posted it here because it spoke to my heart. I hope it is as timely for my readers.
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At 5am, Husband kissed me on the forehead and told me he loved me. Then he headed out to the airport for a work trip. I rolled over and tried to fall back asleep, but instead my mind kicked into full gear. What if he didn’t make it home? What would I do with the house? Should we downsize or stay put? And what should I do with the life insurance? Who could I trust to help me make those decisions? Who would step in and be a father figure for my kids? How much therapy would they need to process their grief? Ya know, all normal things.
After approximately 23 minutes of this madness, I realized I was not headed back to sleep so I grabbed my bible and journal and went downstairs for some quiet time. As soon as I began to write, I felt the Lord say “Those decisions feel overwhelming b/c I am not there. If you were to actually find yourself there, I would be there too and I would guide you in those decisions. Amy, you can’t dress rehearse tragedy.”
Dude. That’s heavy. It stopped me in my tracks and I realized that’s what I do. All the time. I enter a situation and then jump to the worst possible outcome and try to sort through all the possible ways this could go down. How would I deal? What would the damage be? What would the future look like from this point forward? I look for all the ways that I can make this situation turn out for my good.
Oh wait. That’s not my job. That is what the Lord was trying to speak to my heart at 5:30 on a Wednesday morning. I am completely inadequate in my self-sufficiency. I have neither the ways nor the means to fabricate the best possible outcome for any situation in my life. Why do I keep trying to do life on my own? Why is it that my first response to any situation involves my best reaction to it? Deep sigh.
As I sit in my quiet, still house, I realize how much time and emotional energy has been spent dress rehearsing tragedy. So much. It makes me angry and sad all at once because I realize it is a distraction from the enemy that works every stinkin’ time. Why? Because no matter what my head knows, my heart still struggles to believe that He is for me. That He is perfect in all of His ways, even when those ways hurt my heart. I wrestle with the truth that He is a good, good father. I still fight the tension of hearing His voice and believing His words. I’m still human.
God is God and I am not. My delusion of self-sufficiency is broken all over again and I land on this truth. And then a wave of relief follows. I don’t have to know it all or figure it out. Good! Because my way is exhausting. And what’s even dumber is that it’s not like He’s hiding. This is not a cosmic game of hide and go seek, where I have to figure out where He is before I can get the answers I need or the peace I am seeking. He is not the wizard, hiding behind a giant green curtain in a faraway land called Oz. Jeremiah 29:12-13 is perfectly clear.
“Seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back from captivity.”
That’s a sweet promise. He is just a whisper away. So why do I avoid the whisper and insist on yelling at the mountains in front of me to move? I have never had a mountain move at the sound of my voice. But He has. I have never healed the sick or fed 5,000. But He has. I have never brought dead things back to life. But He has. His track record is pretty good. Even on the dark days when things don’t turn out like I hoped and prayed they would, and my heart burns with the pain of loss, He is there with a peace that really does pass understanding.
Dress rehearsals might be helpful in the theater, but they are pretty pointless in matters of real life. Jesus doesn’t come to our dress rehearsal. But come show time, He always shows up, and the whole script changes.
http://www.liverightlovewell.com/live-right-love-well/2017/8/28/tragic
Monday, August 25, 2025
Promise for Today - At Work In Us
God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
I find great hope in this verse.
Increasingly, I find I have more of a desire to do what will please God, and I am encouraged to know that He is at work in me to give me the power to do it. At work in me to provide the discipline to override my flesh that just wants to be a couch potato after a long week. At work in me to accomplish and complete those God ideas pulling at my heart and the tasks that are calling my name.
In John 9:4, Jesus tells us, "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."
I know I'm playing catch-up from the moments and hours I have wasted in this life. When that night comes, I want to be able to say that I have finished what God assigned to me. I do not want to stand before Almighty God and not be finished. That's why it gives me such great hope to know that God is working in us... working and working and working some more.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, we want to do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize us or You. Help us to live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Most of all, Father, we want to finish our assignment and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. Thank You for providing such great hope by working in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
I find great hope in this verse.
Increasingly, I find I have more of a desire to do what will please God, and I am encouraged to know that He is at work in me to give me the power to do it. At work in me to provide the discipline to override my flesh that just wants to be a couch potato after a long week. At work in me to accomplish and complete those God ideas pulling at my heart and the tasks that are calling my name.
In John 9:4, Jesus tells us, "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."
I know I'm playing catch-up from the moments and hours I have wasted in this life. When that night comes, I want to be able to say that I have finished what God assigned to me. I do not want to stand before Almighty God and not be finished. That's why it gives me such great hope to know that God is working in us... working and working and working some more.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, we want to do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize us or You. Help us to live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Most of all, Father, we want to finish our assignment and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. Thank You for providing such great hope by working in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Promise for Today Favorite - Undone
So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”
Isaiah 6:5-7 NKJV
From the world's perspective, when we come undone, we've come to the end of our proverbial rope without any hope whatsoever. It's the end of the line - the great crash and burn... Whatever it is, whatever it was, it will never be again. It's over. We're done for.
In His presence - when we come to the end of ourselves and all our determination to do things our way; when we come to the end of it all - having failed in our endeavors; when we fall on our face before God Almighty, broken and without hope - contrary to how it appears - we are NOT done for. We are undone.
What is "undone"? The opposite of done? So, is that to say it isn't finished? It isn't over? Think about that for a moment. In God's presence, undone equals all the bad things in our lives untangled from our hearts. In His presence, under His Blood, every mistake we've ever made is undone. We are undone from the chains, no longer bound by sin and shame.
Come to Jesus. In His presence, we are undone. Thank You, Lord!
Prayer:
Father,
What a great blessing to be undone in Your presence. When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers - the moon and the stars You set in place - what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? And yet, You do. You carved us in Your hand. We are ever before You! Father, cause that Truth to come alive in us so that we are undone in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”
Isaiah 6:5-7 NKJV
From the world's perspective, when we come undone, we've come to the end of our proverbial rope without any hope whatsoever. It's the end of the line - the great crash and burn... Whatever it is, whatever it was, it will never be again. It's over. We're done for.
In His presence - when we come to the end of ourselves and all our determination to do things our way; when we come to the end of it all - having failed in our endeavors; when we fall on our face before God Almighty, broken and without hope - contrary to how it appears - we are NOT done for. We are undone.
What is "undone"? The opposite of done? So, is that to say it isn't finished? It isn't over? Think about that for a moment. In God's presence, undone equals all the bad things in our lives untangled from our hearts. In His presence, under His Blood, every mistake we've ever made is undone. We are undone from the chains, no longer bound by sin and shame.
Come to Jesus. In His presence, we are undone. Thank You, Lord!
Prayer:
Father,
What a great blessing to be undone in Your presence. When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers - the moon and the stars You set in place - what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? And yet, You do. You carved us in Your hand. We are ever before You! Father, cause that Truth to come alive in us so that we are undone in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Promise for Today - He Knows
But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
Job 23:10-11 NLT
Did you ever read the newspaper comics when you were growing up? Do you remember Family Circus written by the late Bil Keane? And little Billy, who would eventually get to where he was going, but it was never a straight path from Point A to Point B?
Some days I think to myself, "Just call me Billy..." Try as I might to get to that proverbial front door, sometimes I just can't get there, or I'm there too late, or I outright fail.
Our Promise for Today gives me great hope. I'm glad He knows where I am going. I know where I WANT to go... For now, I walk those paths by faith, trusting in His Word.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always going before us to make the crooked path straight and to level the walk so that we don't trip up. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent us Your Son as the Way to You. Help us to walk in His Light and His Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Did you ever read the newspaper comics when you were growing up? Do you remember Family Circus written by the late Bil Keane? And little Billy, who would eventually get to where he was going, but it was never a straight path from Point A to Point B?
Some days I think to myself, "Just call me Billy..." Try as I might to get to that proverbial front door, sometimes I just can't get there, or I'm there too late, or I outright fail.
Our Promise for Today gives me great hope. I'm glad He knows where I am going. I know where I WANT to go... For now, I walk those paths by faith, trusting in His Word.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always going before us to make the crooked path straight and to level the walk so that we don't trip up. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent us Your Son as the Way to You. Help us to walk in His Light and His Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Friday, August 22, 2025
Promise for Today - Here Comes Trouble
We sent him [Timothy] to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong.
1st Thessalonians 3:2b-5a
If you're on the upside of the dirt, there will be trouble. How do we handle it? Do we choose to ask God's direction or just ask Him "Why?" After all, He knew it was going to happen. He's God, isn't He? Why didn't He stop it?
How do we handle that?
Do we endure? Become one with it, take it on? Identify ourselves with it? What IS our identity? Really...do we want to be defined by trouble?
Do we run? Escape? Avoid it at all costs? We miss the lesson if we move away from it.
Do we enlist it? Make it work for us. James 1:2 reads, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Gee, I don't think I've met anyone who has said at the onset, 'Oh, all these troubles are gonna bring me GREAT joy!'
We've been talking about faith and control. They have nothing to do with each other, by the way. Faith is a relinquishing of control, based on trusting God. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. Without relinquishing control of our lives TO Him, based on our trust IN Him, it's impossible to please God. It kind of lends a new meaning to, "With God, all things are possible..."
Is our trust linked to our perception of what He's done for us or will do? Do we trust Him just because He is who He is - God - and for no other reason? Do we know Him? It's one thing to say we know Him, it's another to see what our actions are when we don't get our own way, or if we need to sacrifice something we want.
You see, faith is an action word. Here comes trouble - what action will you take?
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for thinking of You only as our benevolent overseer. Help us to see You for who You are and what You are, no matter the circumstances. We place our trust in You. Help us to be a Timothy to those around us who may need to be encouraged. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
If you're on the upside of the dirt, there will be trouble. How do we handle it? Do we choose to ask God's direction or just ask Him "Why?" After all, He knew it was going to happen. He's God, isn't He? Why didn't He stop it?
How do we handle that?
Do we endure? Become one with it, take it on? Identify ourselves with it? What IS our identity? Really...do we want to be defined by trouble?
Do we run? Escape? Avoid it at all costs? We miss the lesson if we move away from it.
Do we enlist it? Make it work for us. James 1:2 reads, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Gee, I don't think I've met anyone who has said at the onset, 'Oh, all these troubles are gonna bring me GREAT joy!'
We've been talking about faith and control. They have nothing to do with each other, by the way. Faith is a relinquishing of control, based on trusting God. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. Without relinquishing control of our lives TO Him, based on our trust IN Him, it's impossible to please God. It kind of lends a new meaning to, "With God, all things are possible..."
Is our trust linked to our perception of what He's done for us or will do? Do we trust Him just because He is who He is - God - and for no other reason? Do we know Him? It's one thing to say we know Him, it's another to see what our actions are when we don't get our own way, or if we need to sacrifice something we want.
You see, faith is an action word. Here comes trouble - what action will you take?
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for thinking of You only as our benevolent overseer. Help us to see You for who You are and what You are, no matter the circumstances. We place our trust in You. Help us to be a Timothy to those around us who may need to be encouraged. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Promise for Today - Cutting Edge
As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!”
The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.“Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.
2nd Kings 6:5-7 NIV
The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.“Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.
2nd Kings 6:5-7 NIV
So, the guy was doing work for the Lord. They were trying to build a bigger meeting place. Without the axe, what would he do? What could he do? What if he had gotten bogged down with the facts of the situation? Iron ax head. It's going down and it's not coming up. He's losing out twice because he can't finish the work he was doing for God and now, he's out whatever it would cost to pay back the lost ax head.
Has something like that ever happened to you? I know it has in my life. Doing what you know to do for the Lord, and then stuff happens. Then not only are you stifled from doing the work you believe you were called to do, but maybe there's a price tag for something that didn't go quite how you planned. What do you do? Get bogged down with the facts of the situation or seek the Lord's direction?
Will we do the same when we lose our cutting edge? Will we lose our passion for Christ because we're bogged down in the miry circumstances?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for writing it down and making it available to us. Thank You for the Light on our path, guiding our footsteps. Thank You that it is You who works in us both to will and to do so we may fulfill Your good purpose in our lives. Help us to trust You in it. Restore our cutting edge. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Promise for Today - They All Heard Something
[Jesus speaking] Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.' Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine."
John 12:27-30 NLT
Jesus knew He was going to be crucified. He had time to think about it. He knew what was coming. How? Because He knew the voice of God. He was "deeply troubled" and yet He prayed for God to be glorified by His willing obedience. Why? Again, because He knew the voice of God! He wasn't wondering IF it was God or if it was God's will, He KNEW.
Do we spend enough time with God to know His voice? The thing about this particular passage is that they ALL heard the voice of God, but how many recognized it? Some thought it was thunder...
What if - during whatever our trial - our path crosses with someone who never met Christ? Someone we would never have met otherwise. Would they want to hear about our Lord and Savior because of how we respond to Him in the middle of our affliction, or would they give us a 'No, thanks' because all they're hearing from us is thunder and grumbling?
John 12:27-30 NLT
Jesus knew He was going to be crucified. He had time to think about it. He knew what was coming. How? Because He knew the voice of God. He was "deeply troubled" and yet He prayed for God to be glorified by His willing obedience. Why? Again, because He knew the voice of God! He wasn't wondering IF it was God or if it was God's will, He KNEW.
Do we spend enough time with God to know His voice? The thing about this particular passage is that they ALL heard the voice of God, but how many recognized it? Some thought it was thunder...
What if - during whatever our trial - our path crosses with someone who never met Christ? Someone we would never have met otherwise. Would they want to hear about our Lord and Savior because of how we respond to Him in the middle of our affliction, or would they give us a 'No, thanks' because all they're hearing from us is thunder and grumbling?
The question on my mind is 'How often do we pray to be delivered from the very thing that serves God's purpose?' It's human nature to want to avoid pain and suffering. Jesus prayed for it in Matthew 26:30, "He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.' ” Your will, Father, not mine. Be glorified...
The writer of Proverbs tells us, "Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord" (Proverbs 20:12 NLT).
Prayer:
Father,
Of all Your many blessings that You bestow on us, please, God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. And a mouth to speak only Your praise and what You would have us to say. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
The writer of Proverbs tells us, "Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord" (Proverbs 20:12 NLT).
Prayer:
Father,
Of all Your many blessings that You bestow on us, please, God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. And a mouth to speak only Your praise and what You would have us to say. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Promise for Today - Properly Projecting an Image
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV
We live in extraordinary times. Now more than ever, it's all about the visual appeal. Marketing campaigns, computer technology, and the world of medicine all excel and rely on their imaging capabilities. Such incredible strides just in medicine alone! Ultrasounds projecting images - detecting everything now from blood clots to cancer to kids!
Websites, social medias of all kinds rely heavily on photos and images. Just think Instagram! And now AI images. And selfies! Oh.My.Word! People and their selfies!! Photo booths and photo ops are at every event and venue! We are absolutely infatuated! Yes, Psalm 139:14 declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." But are we projecting the right image?
The Truth is we ARE fearfully and wonderfully made because we are made in the image of God, according to HIS likeness. But instead of the staged photos, how about we mirror His love? His compassion! His kindness! His mercy and grace! His faithfulness! Just to name a few... God created us with purpose for His purpose. He created us in His own image so we could accomplish all that He has planned for our lives. That's the Truth about imaging. Picture that!
Prayer:
Father,
Rip the star-struck scales from our eyes so that we can see Your Truth and properly portray Your likeness to the lost and dying generations, without the photo ops and props of this world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
We live in extraordinary times. Now more than ever, it's all about the visual appeal. Marketing campaigns, computer technology, and the world of medicine all excel and rely on their imaging capabilities. Such incredible strides just in medicine alone! Ultrasounds projecting images - detecting everything now from blood clots to cancer to kids!
Websites, social medias of all kinds rely heavily on photos and images. Just think Instagram! And now AI images. And selfies! Oh.My.Word! People and their selfies!! Photo booths and photo ops are at every event and venue! We are absolutely infatuated! Yes, Psalm 139:14 declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." But are we projecting the right image?
The Truth is we ARE fearfully and wonderfully made because we are made in the image of God, according to HIS likeness. But instead of the staged photos, how about we mirror His love? His compassion! His kindness! His mercy and grace! His faithfulness! Just to name a few... God created us with purpose for His purpose. He created us in His own image so we could accomplish all that He has planned for our lives. That's the Truth about imaging. Picture that!
Prayer:
Father,
Rip the star-struck scales from our eyes so that we can see Your Truth and properly portray Your likeness to the lost and dying generations, without the photo ops and props of this world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Promise for Today Reminder - Conflicted
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other...
Galatians 5:16-17b NIV
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
Consider this. Depending on how well a human being is hydrated, one can live anywhere from 3 to 12 days without water, and 3 to 6 weeks without food...although neither scenario is recommended. And yet, wars have been won or lost based on food supplies that were or were not readily available.
Battle-weary soldiers who have not eaten in days and who have no water supply will voluntarily surrender to the enemy for the promise of food and water. Why? Because we don't want to die. And as desperate as some may be, not all things wet or chewable are good for consumption. Many will cause death if we ingest them.
For instance, if we're dehydrated, we need something wet, liquid of some kind, but obviously, we're not going to drink gasoline or coal oil or bleach. Yes, they are all liquids, but they are deadly contaminants. It would definitely put your body in severe conflict and it would be self-inflicted. Anyone in their right mind would not drink these liquids. We want to live - and hear me now - what we feed and water will live.
The same is true in our walk with the Lord. We are in a battle. The war between our flesh and spirit wages every day. And quite simply, what we feed and water will live. If we feed our sinful nature the things it craves, our sinful nature will thrive and survive... but we CAN starve it to death. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Word - the Living Water. Our text for today tells us the Spirit and the sinful nature are in conflict with each other...the question is, how much of it is self-inflicted?
Victorious overcomer (Spirit) or self-inflicted conflict (sinful nature)? WE choose which one will thrive and survive.
Prayer:
Father,
Galatians 5:16-17b NIV
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
Consider this. Depending on how well a human being is hydrated, one can live anywhere from 3 to 12 days without water, and 3 to 6 weeks without food...although neither scenario is recommended. And yet, wars have been won or lost based on food supplies that were or were not readily available.
Battle-weary soldiers who have not eaten in days and who have no water supply will voluntarily surrender to the enemy for the promise of food and water. Why? Because we don't want to die. And as desperate as some may be, not all things wet or chewable are good for consumption. Many will cause death if we ingest them.
For instance, if we're dehydrated, we need something wet, liquid of some kind, but obviously, we're not going to drink gasoline or coal oil or bleach. Yes, they are all liquids, but they are deadly contaminants. It would definitely put your body in severe conflict and it would be self-inflicted. Anyone in their right mind would not drink these liquids. We want to live - and hear me now - what we feed and water will live.
The same is true in our walk with the Lord. We are in a battle. The war between our flesh and spirit wages every day. And quite simply, what we feed and water will live. If we feed our sinful nature the things it craves, our sinful nature will thrive and survive... but we CAN starve it to death. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Word - the Living Water. Our text for today tells us the Spirit and the sinful nature are in conflict with each other...the question is, how much of it is self-inflicted?
Victorious overcomer (Spirit) or self-inflicted conflict (sinful nature)? WE choose which one will thrive and survive.
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Master Nutritionist. Sustain us on Your Word, O Bread of Life and Living Water. Help us to hide it in our hearts so we will flourish in Your will for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, August 15, 2025
Promise for Today - A Renewed Call
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.
Romans 5:3-4 The Living BibleThere is a renewed call to prayer from the Holy Spirit. Do you feel it, too? Ringing over and over in my heart is the Scripture passage from Mark 12:30-31 NLT, "And you must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The written emphasis is mine, but the emphatic inflection is God's. ALL my heart, ALL my soul, ALL my mind, and ALL my strength. I had to be honest with myself and ask, When was the last time I did anything with ALL that I am or ALL that I have... ?
So often, we fill up every waking moment with I have to do this or I have to do that and this must be done or that must be, and Suzie has to be at practice and Johnny has to, too, and we'll grab something at the drive-thru because we don't have time to cook and sit at the table... And at night, when we fall into bed exhausted, we're too tired to pray, let alone worship, and we don't have all of anything left... Bob Sorge states, "This present world system is strategically designed to squeeze out your time and energy for the secret place." The secret place is our time with the Lord. It's where our strength is renewed. MAKE the time. Make it a priority once again.
So with renewed vigor, by the grace of God, I am getting back into shape spiritually - eagerly anticipating the next part of God's plan. Not just for me, but for ALL of us. Revelation 22:17 NKJV, "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." In my corner of the world, I see and hear people responding to the Spirit say, "Come!" and I pray it is the same for you.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for all the times we've given You less than all. Therefore, since we are receiving Your Kingdom that cannot be shaken, grant us Your grace, by which we can serve You acceptably with reverence and Godly fear. For You, O Lord, are a consuming fire! Thank You for trials and tribulations that teach us patience and develop our character. Teach us how to give You Your heart's desire. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Promise for Today - Serious Business
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NKJV
Do we truly know what it means to be diligent? Scripture has much to say about it, so it's best if we do our due diligence in finding out. Pun intended.
Google defines diligent as 'having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties'.
Merriam-Webster currently defines diligent as 'characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort: painstaking'.
We all know that definitions tend to evolve over time. The oldest dictionary in my collection is a Webster's dictionary, published by G.&C. Merriam & Co. in 1884. It defines diligent as 'interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady in application to business; prosecuted with care and constant effort'.
In 1927, Merriam-Webster defined diligent as 'constant in effort to accomplish something, pursued with persevering attention, painstaking'.
In 1949, Merriam-Webster again defined diligent as 'perseveringly attentive; prosecuted with careful attention; painstaking'.
I also have a republished, facsimile edition of Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language. In this 1828 edition, I find it interesting to note that Mr. Webster often used Scripture references to illustrate the use of a word. For instance, for diligence, he used Proverbs 4:23 and 2nd Peter 1:10. The application of diligent to people was 'not idle or negligent', and the Scripture reference was Proverbs 22:29 KJV which reads, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings..." No matter the translation, it's either diligent or skillful or some form of excellence in execution; as well as painstaking - defined as 'done with or employing great care and thoroughness'.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the Greek for both diligent and diligence have to do with the speed at which it is done, 'by implication eagerness, earnestness'.
I think it's safe to say to be diligent is to eagerly and with great interest employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to the task at hand. What do you think?
So in our Promise for Today, we are to "be even more eager to - and with great interest - employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to" add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
It's serious business to be diligent.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your written Word. Thank You for providing the instruction we need to walk out Your purpose for our lives. According to Your Word, help us to be even more diligent in our quest for You. Whatever our hands find to do, grant us Your grace to do it with all our might as unto You and not to men. We want to remain steadfast under trial so that we will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You. Father, let us not grow weary of doing good, knowing that in due season we will reap if we don't give up. We want to be diligent to be found by You without spot or blemish, and at peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NKJV
Do we truly know what it means to be diligent? Scripture has much to say about it, so it's best if we do our due diligence in finding out. Pun intended.
Google defines diligent as 'having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties'.
Merriam-Webster currently defines diligent as 'characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort: painstaking'.
We all know that definitions tend to evolve over time. The oldest dictionary in my collection is a Webster's dictionary, published by G.&C. Merriam & Co. in 1884. It defines diligent as 'interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady in application to business; prosecuted with care and constant effort'.
In 1927, Merriam-Webster defined diligent as 'constant in effort to accomplish something, pursued with persevering attention, painstaking'.
In 1949, Merriam-Webster again defined diligent as 'perseveringly attentive; prosecuted with careful attention; painstaking'.
I also have a republished, facsimile edition of Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language. In this 1828 edition, I find it interesting to note that Mr. Webster often used Scripture references to illustrate the use of a word. For instance, for diligence, he used Proverbs 4:23 and 2nd Peter 1:10. The application of diligent to people was 'not idle or negligent', and the Scripture reference was Proverbs 22:29 KJV which reads, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings..." No matter the translation, it's either diligent or skillful or some form of excellence in execution; as well as painstaking - defined as 'done with or employing great care and thoroughness'.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the Greek for both diligent and diligence have to do with the speed at which it is done, 'by implication eagerness, earnestness'.
I think it's safe to say to be diligent is to eagerly and with great interest employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to the task at hand. What do you think?
So in our Promise for Today, we are to "be even more eager to - and with great interest - employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to" add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
It's serious business to be diligent.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your written Word. Thank You for providing the instruction we need to walk out Your purpose for our lives. According to Your Word, help us to be even more diligent in our quest for You. Whatever our hands find to do, grant us Your grace to do it with all our might as unto You and not to men. We want to remain steadfast under trial so that we will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You. Father, let us not grow weary of doing good, knowing that in due season we will reap if we don't give up. We want to be diligent to be found by You without spot or blemish, and at peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Promise for Today - Prepared to Hear
To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.
Matthew 13:12 NLT
I want to hear the Lord. I want to know what He is saying, and more specifically, what He is saying to me. I think every Christian who is trying to do the will of God also wants to hear what God has to say. Amen?
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone, but you're in a busy place, there are people milling around having conversations or laughing, the TV or radio might be on, even your own thoughts may distract you to the point of having to ask the person to repeat what they just said. How much of that conversation do you actually hear - or do you just nod and smile, pretending you heard? We've all experienced that, at one point or another.
Aren't conversations much better when you are able to look the person in the eye and your surroundings are quiet and prepared? How much more so when the King of all kings would like your attention? Have we prepared our hearts and minds? In Hosea 10:12 NKJV, the Lord tells us to, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you."
The dictionary defines 'fallow' as:
1. (of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more
2. not in use, inactive
Does 'fallow' describe your heart? It has described mine in the past. Let us break up our fallowed ground so that we can get the seed sown, and it will produce the harvest needed to feed the lost. It is very important and NEEDFUL to listen intentionally, with purpose. Why? Oh, you may remember - faith comes by hearing...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Your Word. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see , and faith that truly hears and obeys Your voice. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
I want to hear the Lord. I want to know what He is saying, and more specifically, what He is saying to me. I think every Christian who is trying to do the will of God also wants to hear what God has to say. Amen?
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone, but you're in a busy place, there are people milling around having conversations or laughing, the TV or radio might be on, even your own thoughts may distract you to the point of having to ask the person to repeat what they just said. How much of that conversation do you actually hear - or do you just nod and smile, pretending you heard? We've all experienced that, at one point or another.
Aren't conversations much better when you are able to look the person in the eye and your surroundings are quiet and prepared? How much more so when the King of all kings would like your attention? Have we prepared our hearts and minds? In Hosea 10:12 NKJV, the Lord tells us to, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you."
The dictionary defines 'fallow' as:
1. (of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more
2. not in use, inactive
Does 'fallow' describe your heart? It has described mine in the past. Let us break up our fallowed ground so that we can get the seed sown, and it will produce the harvest needed to feed the lost. It is very important and NEEDFUL to listen intentionally, with purpose. Why? Oh, you may remember - faith comes by hearing...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Your Word. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see , and faith that truly hears and obeys Your voice. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Promise for Today - Good for the Body
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
1st Corinthians 12:7 NLT
How many times have you heard someone say when hearing the rules or the policy, "Yeah, that doesn't work for me" as though rules and policies are supposed to somehow line up with their individual ideas rather than the corporate. Unless your name is on the building, I'm pretty sure it's not about you. I know that may come as a surprise in this day and age, when everything seems to be about "me". What me wants. What me likes. What me thinks.
There are many talented people in this world, but we lose sight that those gifts are not all about "me" either - or at least they shouldn't be. We tend to lose sight of it also in our Christian walk. The Bible says we're a team. We're supposed to be working together to get Home. Verses 4-6 read, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us." It's not about individual wins - it's the Body of Christ.
Verse 12 reads, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." The purpose of our gifts are so we can help each other. The gifts are not about making an individual who s/he is - it's about the collective gifts making the church whole, complete. Jesus prophesied in Matthew 16 that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church - the Body as a whole.
I hear Alan Neel use the game of baseball as a great illustration. One person isn't a baseball team. Even if one or two shine, one person cannot be the team. An opposing team will defeat one person. It doesn't matter how good you are - if the team doesn't win, you don't win. And sometimes, we have to sacrifice for the team. You may be the best hitter on the team, but if the situation calls for a bunt, you need to bunt. The Truth is, when we help our teammates score, we still win.
We need to be of one heart and one mind, according to Scripture. We have one purpose and one plan - God's. It "doesn't work for me" because it shouldn't work just for me. We're called the Body of Christ. Our bodies are His temple. That would make it HIS Name on the building. It will work for US together. Let's lay our lives down in service to the Body of Christ. Let's help them get Home - then we all win!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see with Your eyes - to be of one heart and one mind - executing Your plan, not ours. Change our hearts, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
How many times have you heard someone say when hearing the rules or the policy, "Yeah, that doesn't work for me" as though rules and policies are supposed to somehow line up with their individual ideas rather than the corporate. Unless your name is on the building, I'm pretty sure it's not about you. I know that may come as a surprise in this day and age, when everything seems to be about "me". What me wants. What me likes. What me thinks.
There are many talented people in this world, but we lose sight that those gifts are not all about "me" either - or at least they shouldn't be. We tend to lose sight of it also in our Christian walk. The Bible says we're a team. We're supposed to be working together to get Home. Verses 4-6 read, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us." It's not about individual wins - it's the Body of Christ.
Verse 12 reads, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." The purpose of our gifts are so we can help each other. The gifts are not about making an individual who s/he is - it's about the collective gifts making the church whole, complete. Jesus prophesied in Matthew 16 that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church - the Body as a whole.
I hear Alan Neel use the game of baseball as a great illustration. One person isn't a baseball team. Even if one or two shine, one person cannot be the team. An opposing team will defeat one person. It doesn't matter how good you are - if the team doesn't win, you don't win. And sometimes, we have to sacrifice for the team. You may be the best hitter on the team, but if the situation calls for a bunt, you need to bunt. The Truth is, when we help our teammates score, we still win.
We need to be of one heart and one mind, according to Scripture. We have one purpose and one plan - God's. It "doesn't work for me" because it shouldn't work just for me. We're called the Body of Christ. Our bodies are His temple. That would make it HIS Name on the building. It will work for US together. Let's lay our lives down in service to the Body of Christ. Let's help them get Home - then we all win!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see with Your eyes - to be of one heart and one mind - executing Your plan, not ours. Change our hearts, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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