Fri Mar 29, 2024
 

 

(click  on "more scripture for past daily readings)

While working on my PhD this year, I have had so many books to read and
weekly assignments/papers/reports to write that I am missing a few posts here and there.
My devotional time still includes reflective reading, meditation and prayer time, but I've less time to post.
I hope you will continue to read through the Bible with me, continue
growing in the Lord. I will do my best to post the daily scripture readings in advance so you won't miss a day and read through the Bible in 2024.


March 23, 2024: deuteronomy 7:1-8:20; Psalm 37:7-11; Proverbs 12:9-10; Luke 1:39-56

March 24, 2024: deuteronomy 9:1-10:22; Psalm 37:12-15; Proverbs 12:11; Luke 1:57-80

March 25, 2024: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32; Psalm 37:16-22; Proverbs 12:12-14; Luke 2:1-24

March 26, 2024: Deuteronomy 13:1-14:29; Psalm 37:23-29; Proverbs 12:15-6; Luke 2:25-52

March 27, 2024: Deuteronomy 15:1-17:7; Psalm 37:30-36; Proverbs 12:17-19; Luke 3:1-38

March 28, 2024: Deuteronomy 17:8-18:22; Psalm 37:37-40; Proverbs 12:20-22; Luke 4:1-30

March 29, 2024: Deuteronomy 19:1-20:20; Psalm 38:1-8; Proverbs 12:23-25; Luke 4:31-44

March 30, 2024: deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Psalm 38:9-22; Proverbs 12:26-28; Luke 5:1-16

March 31, 2024: Deuteronomy 23:1-24:22; Psalm 39:1-6; Proverbs 13:1-3 Luke 5:17-30

 Today's focus verse(s) 

Psalm 37:33

But the Lord will not take away his protection or let good people be judged guilty.


Read More








God’s Sure Protection, March 27, 2024

Psalm 37:33

The Lord promises sure protection (Ps. 37:33),

And that we will receive satisfaction,

Of seeing that He is fair and just (Prov. 37:34),

To those in obedience, faith, and trust.

All people, all nations, all generations,

Will know about God’s salvation (Luke 3:6).

We need not strive, worry or fret,

Because the Lord isn’t finished yet!

Wait for Him and expect His help (Ps. 37:34A)!

God knows we cannot do it ourselves.

Follow Him! He will honor you (37:34B).

And do the things only HE can do.

***

Thank You, Lord, Your resurrection,

Power surrounds us with protection.

When winds howl and thunder booms,

Give us wisdom, and heal the wounds (Prov. 12:18),

Caused by all the trouble that’s made,

By those with jealousy, anger, and hate.

You have said, “Wait for the Lord (Ps. 37:34A)!”

And so we will obey Your Word,

That promises us honor and land (37:34B),

Healing, health, and sure protection (Prov. 12:18).

Thanks be to God!  As we read today,

We know YOU control and map the way!

And Lord, we know, we hold Your hand,

No matter where our promised land.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Favor With God and Man, March 26, 2024

Luke 2:40

We see a glimpse of heaven on earth,

When a person experiences new birth.

We can only find salvation ourselves,

And cannot secure it for somebody else!

Yes, we must teach each generation,

To grow in faith as honest children!

Just as the Lord grew in wisdom,

We must grow, over time, like Him (Luke 2:52).

God, our Father, never wavers,

In helping us to grow in His favor (Luke 2:40).

If we stumble, we will not fall,

Because the Lord never leaves us at all (Ps. 37:24).

Whether we’re older or young in the Lord,

God is our strength, our shield and sword (37:25).

Good people give, and receive His blessings (37:26),

And God who loves justice, is unrelenting,

In covering His children with protection (37:28)

Love, favor, and provision.

***

Father, thank You that You have given,

Favor and justice to Your faithful children.

Please help us to take a stand (Ps. 37:24),

Not worried because, You hold our hand.

We are the apple of Your eye,

So protect us from the enemy’s lies,

That trap, ensnare or make us unsure,

Of finding answers from You, O Lord.

Protect our lives and shield our souls,

Through good and bad, have complete control.

We praise and worship You now and forever (37:29),

And thank You for Your loving favor.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Respect & Love, Forevermore, March 24, 2024

Deuteronomy 10:12

For as long as there has been good and evil,

God has been trying to win back His people (Deut. 9:3).

He desires a righteous bride,

So He promises never to leave her side.

This is not because she is honest (9:4),

But because He keeps His promise.

She is stubborn, and doesn’t deserve,

The promises God gives in His Word (9:13).

But He will save her, and she can be sure,

It is not by her power but by the Lord (Luke 1:74).

***

Lord, we are honored to be the Bride,

For whom You suffered and gave Your life.

We believe Your plan has framed,

The course of our lives to bless Your Name.

It’s not because we are worthy and good,

But because, You promised that You would,

Make us Holy unto the Lord,

And go before us in this world (9:5).

You will return, as sure as the sun,

Triumphantly, to take us home.

With our whole being we are Yours,

To respect and love You forevermore (10:12).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God Promises to be Faithful, March 23, 2024

Deuteronomy 7:8-9

Who are we that the Lord should choose,

To be the vessels He can use (Lk. 1:54)?

No matter the earthly trials or trouble,

God has promised to be faithful (Deut. 7:8).

Our praying grandparents knew about this,

And because of their faith, WE are blessed (Deut. 7:9!

They cheer us on, alongside the Lord,

Having received their eternal reward.

There is nothing better than this!

We trust in God’s faithfulness (7:9).

His agreement for generations to come,

We claim for our daughters and sons.

***

Heavenly Father, You know what is best,

Thus, we won’t become upset (Ps. 37:7-8)!

Release Your blessings as we meditate,

On Your power, which is ever so great (Lk. 39:37).

Your still small voice, speaks within…

Reminding, “You are chosen (Deut. 7:6).”

All Your Words to Israel,

We claim for all our children as well.

Yes!  Your agreement of love WILL last,

So our next generations will be blessed.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Enjoy Serving!  March 22, 2024

Psalm 37:4-5

After we’ve done anything fun,

It’s polite to say to everyone.

“I enjoyed it!”  A game, a meal,

Whether or not, it’s how we feel.

Southern charm; we’ve all seen it.

We say nice things but may not mean it!

If we’re to enjoy our lives serving God,

And really enjoy it, it is because (Deut. 6:18),

God is good and fair in the lives (Ps. 37:6).

Of those who enjoy serving Jesus Christ. 

***

Father, we have the ability,

To evaluate all the fruit we see.*

In this world, we must choose,

To enjoy the work You’ve assigned us to do.

Trials turn to blessings knowing,

These are things that keep us growing.

Shine Your favor, Lord, we trust (37:6),

That we’ll enjoy work You’ve given to us.

“We love You, with all our strength and soul (Deut. 6:5),”

And trust that You are in control.

Open wide the windows of heaven,

And bless us with joy, strength, and wisdom (6:18).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Beneath God’s Wing, March 21, 2024

Psalm 36:7

God is loyal to His agreements (Deut. 4:31),

Promises He’s made to us.

He sees and hears every grievance,

And guides us to a place of trust (4:40).

Those who understand His Word,

Will receive His love and care (4:39),

Arms wide open, Christ, our Lord,

Hears and answers every prayer (4:30).

List the things the Lord has done!

Ponder Joshua’s Words of trust (4:21);

The God Who helped him overcome,

WILL DO the very same for us!

***

Father, we confess, we wonder,

If the mountain is too high…

Then You speak as if with thunder,

“My love reaches to the skies” (Ps. 36:5)!

You’ve delivered us before,

And as we face another day,

We are greatly reassured,

That You will come and show the way!

Give us wise interventions,

With quick, sound, and harmless minds,

To counter plans or intentions,

Of Satan, trashing what’s Divine.

Let Your shade fall upon us.

As You’ve promised, Lord, we’ll be (Ps.36:7),

Protected by Your love so precious,

Beneath the shadow of Your wings.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment with devotional by Max Lucado


The Lord Helps Us!  March 20, 2024

Mark 16:20

After our Lord has been crucified,

Three women experience quite a surprise!

They went with perfume, expecting decay (Mark 16:2),

While wondering, “Who’ll roll the stone away (16:3)?”

As they approach, they haven’t a clue,

Of how they’ll accomplish what they must do!

Perhaps they think they will quickly befriend,

The guards, who’ll be willing to let them go in.

Whatever their thoughts, they do not include,

The miraculous thing that God will do!

Before they arrive, the stone, quite large (16:4),

Is off to the side, their problem is solved!

***

Father, we see Your character,

With examples of such great power!

The guards and the stone at the tomb,

Were out of the way, so our “stone” can move too.

Lord, we know that You have a good plan (Ps. 36:2-3),

But along with the promises, there are commands (36:4);

We give You praise and thanks, because,

You go ahead to problem solve!

Lord, bless our efforts to do all we must,

To move ahead, in obedience and trust,

That when there are “large stones” involved,

It’s nothing at all for You to problem solve.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible, with devotional by Max Lucado


God Loves to See Us Do Well, March 19, 2024

Psalm 35:27

God loves sending our success,

And helping us to do our best (Ps. 35:27)!

He loves it when we gather with,

Others to praise His greatness!

Likewise, God loves most of all,

Keeping us from a fall.

Share it!  Tell your friends about (35:28),

All the ways God works things out!

We can rest and know for sure,

Our lives are safe and secure (Prov. 12:3,

In the hands of our God,

Who loves to see us doing well (35:27)

***

Thank You, God! As our Father,

You’re alert and never tire,

Showing us great compassion,

Because You see us as Your children.

We exult You, from Your Word,

And “Praise the greatness of the Lord” (35:37).

Help us serve, just like Christ,

Who gave up His very life.

Also, help us do our best,

So You can work through us to bless,

Others, seeing us doing well,

Overcoming the powers of hell (Ps. 35:17-26).

Save us Lord, from Your wrath (Eph. 6:4), *

And favor us with success.

Not for selfish gain, but more,

For the glory of the Lord!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Home is A State of Mind, March 18, 2024

Numbers 34:2

We must face, from time to time,

The question of whether our state of mind,

Has reached God’s promised land within,

Where we’re at home in our own skin.

This lodge’s comfort and peace of mind,

Understands the daily climb,

Will be going up or down another,

Hill or mountain, without getting bothered.

Why?  Because we’ve learned a lesson,

Very early in our Christian education,

Men without mercy pay evil for good (Ps. 35:12),

And will do things that we never would!

The vision of God’s greatness remains,

The best reward that we can claim.

With hopeful hearts we focus upon,

The greatness of God to solve every problem (Num. 33:4).

***

Father, we drink in Your Word each day,

Which reminds us that You work in ways,

Greater and higher, above that which we,

Can understand or humanly see.

Don’t let us wander in troubled times,

Without a peaceful state of mind.

Your presence provides love and mercy (Ps. 35:11),

And rarely do You advise us hurry.

Help us stay spiritually centered,

On the Gospel of Christ, our Savior!

You are the light at the end of each tunnel,

That guides us peacefully through each trial!

Thank You for this peace behind,

The comfort of home in our own state of mind.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Follow and Trust the Lord, March 17, 2024

Numbers 32:12

God has a purpose for us, a plan,

But we must follow His commands (Num. 32:22).

Those who completely trust in Him (32:12),

Are few! Others will just pretend.

But God cannot bless those who,

Won’t trust what He says He’ll do,

And that every promise is our source,

That leads to a life without remorse (Ps. 35:9-10).

All of our battles are His, if we,

Follow and trust Him completely (Num. 32:12).

***

Lord, our heart’s desire is to,

Completely trust and follow You.

Your plans are never compromised;

Who would we follow, otherwise?

You created this world and then,

You made us to be Your children.

Father, You have good things in store,

For those who follow and trust You, Lord.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Submission in Prayer Gardens, March 16, 2024

Mark 14:38

We sometimes pray garden prayers,

When burdened down with our earthly cares.

With spirits willing and flesh weak,

As we pray, we fall asleep!!

Jesus cried in his lonely garden,

Suffering more than we can imagine (Mark 14:36)!

His friends could not stay awake,

To pray for the Savior’s sake (14:39)!

People will fail us and push us aside,

But God is not one bit surprised (14:43).

The enemy’s plans to destroy God’s child,

Keep us praying, evening crying out loud,

But when we add, “They will be done,”

There’s submission, in our prayer garden.

***

Precious Lord, You meet us when,

We pray with heavy burdens!

Thank You for understanding our needs,

Because You have been on Your knees.

You haven’t forgotten the sorrow and fear,

As You shed many more tears!

We know Your will can never fail,

And what You’ve planned will prevail!

Bless and approve us, help us because,

We pray, submitting to You, our God.

Thank You, Lord, for being there (Ps. 34:18),

To interceded in our garden prayers (34:19).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado, and Prayers that Avail Much.


 

Simply Trust, March 15, 2024

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8)!

Never doubt that our Father would,

Move heaven and earth for you,

Because this is what a good Father would do!

Do not think the He acts coldly (14:4);

But come to Him instead, boldly (14:3)!

Trust that as you serve the Lord,

You can claim His every Word (Ps. 34:9).

Even lions get hungry and weak (34:10),

But those who fear the Lord will seek,

And find that He’s more than enough!

So be encouraged and simply trust!

***

Father, You sent Your Son to do,

Good things through us, for You.

You have given all that we own (Mark 14:3),

To make the Gospel of Christ well-known.

Hindsight always helps us see,

That trusting You is all we need (34:8)!

Your blessings bring great happiness,

Simply trusting You’ll do what’s best.

Joy starts out as healthy fear (34:9),

That everything we do down here,

Is subject to Your scrutiny,

To ensure our hearts completely,

Trust in You, not in possessions,

Mounting treasures up in heaven.

Lord, we are SO grateful!

Please, make us better able,

To seek and to securely own,

The joy of trusting Christ alone (Mk. 14:24)!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Spirit of Blessing, March 13, 2024

Numbers 23:20

Oh, be careful whom you curse,

It will come back to you, but worse!

This is more of a sign than not,

Of how much spiritual discernment you’ve got!

God IS love; His Word is true (Num. 23:19),

What He promises, He will do!

And those of us who are quick to claim,

We love Him and we bless His Name,

Must likewise bless, not curse His children (23:20)!

See them as the Lord sees them!

Look for good and stop the nonsense (23:5),

Of cursing each other over offenses!

***

Father God, You’ve said we should,

Not look for evil, only for good (Prov. 11:27).

But Lord, we get exasperated, *

At jealous lies or curses stated.

It doesn’t help us when we’re angry,

Just opens the door to the enemy. *

Help us discern what will generate,

Good, and not retaliate.

There’s no greater reward on earth,

No fame, position or material worth,

That matches Your promises to us,

So help us stay above the fuss!

Let us see good and never quit,

Being led by the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:13).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

Honestly, Do What’s Right!  March 11, 2024

Psalm 33:1

Do what is honest, right and fair (Ps. 33:5).

God’s Word demands that we care.

Sometimes it seems like people today, *

Are stuck in doing it all “my way!”

Earth just might as well be like,

Hell, with disagreements and fights.

But God’s Spirit gives abundant life,

To those committed to honoring Christ (Mk. 12:6)!

The Son of God, who came to save,

Brought forgiveness, kindness, and grace!

Honest, caring Christians form words,

Of praise, doing what’s right while on earth (Ps. 33:2).

***

Father, You’ve sent Your Spirit to dwell,

Within us, for joy and peace, not hell (33:3).

There’s little kindness, grace, and love,

In people without the Spirit of God!

Lord, don’t allow any sin to reside,

Causing conflict with Your Spirit inside.

Complete Your Spiritual work in us,

And help us discern whom we can trust.

Oh that songs of love and praise (Ps. 33:2),

Would pour from our hearts and lips today!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *


Don’t Doubt that You Can Trust, March 10, 2024

Mark 11:22-23

When the Lord curses a fruitless tree,

His strong words are quite deadly (Mark 11:20)!

No doubt, surprised, Peter says,

“Teacher, look… the tree is dead!”

Jesus just ignores the tree,

And says, “I tell you to believe,

That you already have the things,

For which you ask,” (go ahead and claim),

“And God will give them (all) to you (11:22-23).”

BELIEVE, don’t doubt what He can do!

***

Father, in Your Word we find,

Words, hard to believe sometimes.

Words that curse, words that hate (Prov. 11:20),

Words to which we can’t relate!

WHY are good folks faced with troubles (Ps. 32:10)?

Do you “hate” those so evil (Prov. 11:20)?

Not at all!  Your love surrounds (Ps. 32:10),

The evil trying to tie them down!

Lord, we trust the strength of these,

Words that say, “…you HAVE received (Mark 11:24),

That for which you’ve asked in prayer.”

Likewise, it won’t matter where,

We are. You are there for us (Ps. 32:7),

If we don’t doubt that we can trust,

The strength of Your Word today…

Please move the mountains that block our way (11:23)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Do Yourself A Favor, March 9, 2024

Proverbs 11:17

More than any other gift,

Pray for a Spirit of Kindness (Prov. 11:16-17).

Always impatient, leaving, forsaking,

Choosing sides, means taking,

Control, for the purpose of,

Sinful pride is not of God (Num. 16:34)!

How can peace and kindness,

Come through selfishness (Ps. 32:1)?

As a favor meant for you,

Do what kindness would do!

Doubts, fears, anxieties,

Fill us momentarily.

Nothing is ever enough,

Until we’re full of kindness.

***

Father, You see everything;

You know what’s happening.

We complicate Your will and plans,

By taking matters into our own hands.

Give us kindness, patience too,

So that we can walk right through,

Fires built by unkind folks.

So we won’t have the smell of smoke! **

Lord, thank You for success,

That comes with a spirit of kindness.

Troubles headed to our door,

Won’t get past Your shield and sword.

Praying for our enemies to,

To turn their hearts toward You,

Adds joy to our happiness,

While kindness always brings respect (Prov. 11:16).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado* and Prayers that Avail Much **


Think More Like Caleb, March 8, 2024

Numbers 14:24

It’s easy for us to be afraid,

Because we’re only made of clay.

But if we’ll change the way we think,

God will straighten out the kinks.

Sometimes He will firmly press,

To see if we will pass the test.

God’s will cannot be found,

By fear, which lets our guard down (Num. 14:24).

Crybabies don’t get rewards (Numb 14:1-3),

Or blessed protection from the Lord (13:9).

God will show His strength when we,

Learn to think differently (13:30)!

***

Father God, we hope in You,

And trust, our strength is being renewed (Ps. 31:24),

We will capture thoughts doubtful,

Knowing all things are possible.

Help us stay on our feet (Mark 10:49),

Trusting You to complete,

What You’ve begun; Lord, finish,

Forming us into Your image.

Hear our prayers to think much more,

Like Caleb and Joshus than ever before (10:52).

Strengthen, change, encourage us,

Until we come to fully trust,

In the power of Your Spirit,

Saying, “Of course we can do it (Num. 13:30)!”

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

Now, See What God Can Do!  March 7, 2024

Numbers 11:23

Talk with God; take the time,

Spirit to spirit, mind to mind (Num. 12:8).

You will know what Moses knew:

When speaking with Him, He speaks to you!

No one can put out the fire,

Of God’s Almighty Spiritual power (11:1),

That burns to place His Word within,

The heart that seeks to follow Him!

God wants to give His Spirit to all,

Who commit their lives, heart and soul,

And humbly confess every sin (12:11),

So they can truly hear from Him.

***

Heavenly Father, You have said,

We need You more than bread (11:12)!

So, we crave Your Spiritual food,

That makes us humble, kind and good.

Speak to us, Lord, when we call,

As Moses! All things are possible (11:23)!

Help us hear You in our minds (12:3),

And feel Your presence all the time.

Thank You for the way You speak,

To strengthen us when we’re weak (11:23)!

Jesus, Lord, You died for us,

And all You ask is that we trust,

And follow close to hear from You:

“Now you will see what I can do (11:23)!!”

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Inside Guide, March 6, 2024

Numbers 9:17 & 18

God will lead us through life’s cycles!

Trust Him in the good and/or trials (Ps. 31:7)!

Believe that evil won’t win over (31:8),

The good person who is resourceful (Prov. 11:8-9).

God goes ahead to make connections,

Divine appointments and interactions,

Leading by His Spirit inside (Num. 9:17),

The Comforter will be our guide.

He hangs close for us to see,

Where to go, when to leave,

When to pack and follow Him,

Yes, we we’ll know from within!

***

Father, guide our steps today,

In Your “still small voice” kind of way.

Make Your Spirit like that cloud,

Leading us in or leading us out (Num.9:17).

Go ahead and we’ll follow You,

To complete the work we’ve been called to.

Lord, we seek You quietly,

Listening, watching, expectantly,

For You to “lift,” or linger still.

Either way, we want Your will!

“Rise up, Oh Lord!”  As Moses prayed,

“Scatter Your enemies along the way (Num. 10:35).”

Go out before us, Father, guide,

With clear directions from inside.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Cleansed for Service!  March 5, 2024

Numbers 8:6

God tells Moses to gather and take,

The Levites away to cleanse them and make,

Their bodies clean, completely (Num. 8:5-11),

To cover their sins, before ministry.

We see now this as common sense!

A minister should lead in repentance.

But in this world of rising deceit,

It is hard to discern who is fit to preach!

Our discernment must come from above,

And pray as Jesus prayed to God (Mk. 9:23).

When facing evil, Jesus then commands (9:26),

The spirit to leave in obedience to Him.

Yes, there are spirits, not of God,

Deceiving the very elect because,

They know the Scriptures better than we,

And their clock is ticking toward eternity.

Teachers, preachers, always be sure,

To pray, yes, but keep yourself pure.

***

Father, thank You for Your divine guidance,

That flows through Your Word to give us discernment.

Protect us from evil principalities,

And give us more faith to believe (9:24),

Your presence within us is greater than,

The evil that plagues the lives of man.

Satan is working, so keep us alert!

Give us the ability to interpret,

Your Word, believing, there is such a thing,

As warfare against You, King of Kings.

Sometimes a person is duped to believe,

They cannot experience complete relief!

But there is great peace in a cleansed mind,

And great assurance that in these end times,

You will help us understand,

When we need to wash our own hands!

The evil seems greater than ever before,

So we pray You’ll protect and keep our hearts, pure (Num. 8:6)

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Not So Surprised, March 4, 2024

Mark 8:32

Jesus discloses salvation’s plan,

For people to kill the Son of Man (Mk. 8:31-33).

He speaks plainly with detailed facts,

But Peter reacts, “Don’t talk like that!”

Jesus shuts Peter down at once,

Because He knows what must be done.

No earthly power will prevail,

Hinder or cause God’s plans to derail.

Can we know what will happen?

God’s Spirit stays in communication,

With us, to guide and to provide,

Understanding so we are not so surprised.

***

Lord, when we make the decision,

To commit to You, there’s communication,

Between Your Spirit, that still small voice,

Who speaks within to direct each choice.

We understand that all will die (M. 8:34-35),

And sins of the fall are no surprise,

So, sanctify us with honesty,

To makes us strong and trustworthy (Prov. 11:3)!

It’s no surprise that You will fulfill,

Your promises, and that nothing will,

Separate us from Your love and defense,

So we won’t be surprised, at Judgment (Mk. 8:36)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

 

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much*

Recognize Miraculous Provision, March 3, 2024

Mark 8:7-8

God does much more than maintain us,

Rescue, fill and sustain us.

The Lord sees our frustration (Mk. 8:4),

As a prelude to miraculous provision.

Nothing can limit the Lord,

From working His miracles.

If we can’t see it, something’s awry (30:7)!

We may have a “log” stuck in an eye!!

Until we have better vision,

We’re blind to miraculous provision!

***

Father, gives us spiritual eyes,

To see Your miracles in our lives!

Lord, You work in mysterious ways,

And all we can do is give You the praise (Ps. 30:4).

When we count our blessings we find,

Your kindness is indeed, for a lifetime (30:5)!

Such joy comes with each new dawn,

When we recognize all that You’ve done.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Amazing Peace!  March 2, 2024

Psalm 29:11

Sometimes we don’t know how to pray,

Or how to answer the right way (Mk. 7:29)!

Our prayers begin with thanks, then shift,

To prayers for the sick, or our relationships.

Sometimes we pray out of frustration,

But this reveals our preoccupation,

With doubts and stress, “fight or flight,”

Wounded souls should pray alright!

But God gives us strength and peace,

The kind we reflect from His release,

To those who intentionally choose (Ps. 29:11),

To exchange stress for gratitude (Phil. 4:6*).

Trust His power and majesty!

Can strengthen us with amazing peace.

***

Father, thank You for strength and peace,

To strengthen us so we can be,

Vessels, meant for joy, not stress,

Expecting peace and happiness.

Your peace passes our understanding,

Believing You are commanding,

Goodness, mercy, and release,

Of amazing strength and peace.

Thanks be to God!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Look for Ways to Praise Today!  March 1, 2024

Psalm 29:2

Evil people, lend an ear (Prov. 10:24),

And change your ways to recognize,

That praising God reduces fear,

That Satan stirs up in our lives.

We need God’s help to do what’s right,

By letting Scripture sink into,

Our hearts and minds, shedding light,

On all the Lord wants us to do (Mk. 7:22).

Greedy, negative, evil talk (7:20),

Goes against Scripture’s demands,

To make us stumble as we walk.

Unable to recognize His plan.

***

Father God, we’ll praise You more!

Even in the darkest days.

Praise brings joy to every chore,

Thus, increasing all our praise.

Keep us focused, Lord, on You,

So we recognize Your power!

Distractions make us muddle through,

Apt to fear, retreat, and cower.

Lord, our victory is set,

Our highest calling is to praise,

So, do not let us forget,

To look for ways to praise, today.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


All Were Healed, February 29, 2024

Mark 6:56

Disease came to everyone,

When Adam sinned, so all, not some,

Are prone to die upon the earth.

The clock starts ticking right at birth.

Jesus became a famous man,

By healing the sick… all of them (Mk. 6:56).

No matter how weary, people knew,

That healing power flowed right through,

His fingers, hands, even His clothes!

Touching His hem would heal their woes.

Physical illness, affective disorders,

Jesus’ power knew no borders!

They came to Him, without a doubt,

And all were healed, inside and out.

***

Jesus, when the people came,

They heard about Your healing fame.

The blind could see, the deaf could hear,

And the only thing they had to fear,

Was not having the ability,

To be in proximity,

To reach and touch Your robe’s hem.

Any part of You healed all of them.

Today, Your Word reveals so much,

About Your Spirit within us.

We already have the ability,

Within, to touch You, mentally.

Healing starts within the mind (Mk.7:21).

Our thoughts determine what we find,

In ways of forgiveness, hope and love,

And healing power from above.

Increase our faith within our minds,

To believe that You are just as kind,

Now as You were back then,

When You healed… ALL of them!

In Jesus Name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s Scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Devotion, February 28, 2024

Leviticus 25:20-21

Our physical bodies get weary and worn (Mark 6:31),

So, we all need quiet times of reprieve.

As a Shepherd, the Lord calls His own,

To rest while He provides our needs.

“How, Lord?  Who will take our calls?”

By faith, we take a breath, submitted,

Believing that God can handle it all (Ps. 28:6),

Because to us, HE is greatly devoted!

He will be our strength and shield (28:7),

Providing assurances that we need.

Likewise, devoted to Him, we yield,

And trust Him for the victory (28:8).

***

Lord, when we were knitted within (Jer. 1:5),

Our mother’s womb, our purpose was set,

For such as time as this, we live (Esther 4:14),*

Devoted to You, no guilt, or regrets.

And Your devotion is powerful (28:8)!

You have a picture of us as Your own,

Beloved children, chosen people,

Who can trust You for all the unknowns.

Lord, don’t ever let us stray,

And stay devoted when we do not (Mark 6:37).

Recognize, as we should each day,

That You are working everything out (6:48).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and *Prayers that Avail Much

Disappear in the Mirror, February 27, 2024

Proverbs 10:17

Submission is harder and harder these days!

Professional protesters lead the way.

Less respect, refusing direction,

There’s an obvious rise in narcissism (Prov. 10:18).

We look in the mirror, but do not see,

A contrarian duty to disagree!

But Christians should be working toward,

Serving each other while serving the Lord,

Humility has become obsolete!

But this rise to despise doesn’t defeat (Mark 6:11),

The Believer’s purpose to carry on,

And be a witness until Jesus comes (6:12).

***

Precious Lord, we know that correction,

Is an important part of submission.

Demanding our rights doesn’t work for us,

And does not help to carry our cross.

We believe there is no earthly weapon (Is.54:17,

Not gossip, jealousy or insurrection, *

That can hinder or prohibit,

The powerful work of Your Holy Spirit (Ps. 28:5).

Lord, our Rock, we call out to You,

To help complete what You’ve called us to do.

Keep us safe from Satan’s arrows, *

So we do not have to dust off our sandals (Mark 6:9)!!

Spirit, work in hearts to accept,

Scriptural teachings, with greater respect.

Restore submission’s importance in faith,

And may we mirror Your reflection of grace (6:12).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much


Christ’s Power Goes Out for Good, February 26, 2024

Mark 5:30

Christians!  If we truly believe (Ps. 27:13);

Like the Psalmist, we will see,

God is good!  Be strong and brave!

His promises are from age to age.

Goodness comes from believing,

In Christ’s way of releasing,

Power for good things to happen (Mk. 5:30),

According to His timely discretion.

Trust in Him with bravery,

And look for the good, continuously (Prov. 10:14).

Goodness always beats the odds.

Because good comes, from our good God!

***

Father, we delight in Your Word.

And love to “Go worship the Lord (Ps. 27:8).”

As we praise, we know that You,

Will do what’s right—it’s what You do (Ps. 27:11)!

Without a doubt, we believe,

And trust in Your good strategies (27:13).

So, as we wait, let peace inside,

Be the leverage which will guide (Lev. 21:25).

Us in hope and joy to live,

And see the goodness that You give (Ps. 27:13).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Be Rooted in Holiness, February 25, 2024

Leviticus 20:26

We find, common sense in God’s law.

It describes what works, and what won’t work at all.

Like simply giving time to a root (Lev. 19:23),

To grow before expecting fruit!

“You must not steal!” We’d never do that (Lev. 19:11)!

But we do if we borrow and never give back.

“Don’t curse the deaf, or trip up the blind (19:14).”

Who would do anything so unkind?

We do, if we get annoyed when,

We must speak louder when caring for them!!

Like slow cooking, longevity matters,

Don’t quit or move at the drop of a feather!

God’s ways are practical, natural laws (Lev.19:7).

And holiness is at the base of it all!

***

Father, thank You for every chapter,

That unpacks for us, Your holy nature.

Every new day, You expect,

Us to be rooted in Your holiness.

If the words of good people give life (Prov. 10:11),

How much more does Your Words light,

And bless our path, rather than, *

Derailing us, because of Your plans.

Lord, our hearts desire is to,

Fulfill every plan for us, by You.

Please forgive us for failing in this:

Not rooting our lives in Your holiness.

Holiness lifts us above our own nature.

To better understand our Maker.

Make us holy unto the Lord,

Safe in the shelter of Your Word (Ps. 27:5).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


It is Going to Be All Right, February 24, 2024

Mark 4:40

The light of the world gives power to us,

By faith, to chase the darkness.

God’s truth provides due diligence,

And traps those who are dishonest (Prov. 10:9)!!

So why then, should we ever fear (Ps. 27:1)?

Everything hidden, will be made clear (Mark 4:22).

Let those with ears use them to listen (4:23)!

Our “Being still!” God gives us permission (Mark. 4:39),

To knock, to ask, to seek and to find,

Without fear, trust God all the time (4:40)!

***

Father, thank You for shining Your lamp,

With light for today, as if to stamp,

Approval upon our hearts and lives.

We live by faith that You’ll provide!

Just a few Words from You can ease (Mark, 4:39-41),

The winds that cause our choppy seas.

Likewise, Lord You will guide us (4:24),

With Your still small voice inside us (Ps. 27:5).

So, with the Psalmist, Lord, we say,

“If an army surrounds me, I’ll not be afraid!

You are my light and my salvation!”

In an instant You can change situations!

Lord, let our faith bring You delight.

We ask and expect, things will be alright.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Good Soil, Inside and Out, February 23, 2024

Mark 4:8

Interpreting the soil’s part,

In the parable of different hearts,

Usually focuses on the conditions,

Of the heart for incubation.

But reading it from a different side,

We could say, it also describes,

The soil surrounding believers that’s sure,

To help them grow a hundred times more (Mark 4:8)!

If we’re planted in limited space,

Where Christian growth cannot take place.

We must look for “room enough,”

In soil that’s nourishment for us!

***

Father, thank You for Your delight,

In planting us where the soil is right!

Places where others lend a hand,

And enjoy seeing our roots extend.

Lord, along with the soil around us,

Let Your Word in us be grounded.

In good soil, rich in conviction,

Not “Uprooting” with each irritation.

Make us good soil for others, indeed,

To be able to grow, beautifully.

Likewise, make the soil we’re in,

Offer us all the needed conditions,

To live, work, grow, and produce,

The most, the best, glorious fruit.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Importance of the Spirit, February 22, 2024

Mark 3:30

Jesus will pardon, anyone,

Who accepts Him as God’s only Son.

But those who blaspheme His Deity,

By saying His Spirit is evil, can’t be (Mark 3:22)!”

Pardoned by God, simply because,

They blaspheme the Spirit of God.

Some claimed Jesus was full of the devil,

Just a carpenter who shouldn’t meddle,

In matters of their theology,

Prompted by their INTENSE jealousy.

Accusing the Lord of being evil,

Is danger at the highest level!

Wrongly judging the Spirit of God,

Will separate us from His love.

***

Lord, for love, You gave up Your life,

And became our final sacrifice,

You cleans our sins, not merely cover,

So we can become Your sisters and brothers.

When Your is not recognized,

As the Holy One Who lifts up Christ,

It’s obvious, this can’t be forgiven (3:30),

Because Your Spirit won’t commune with that person!

Love isn’t jealous, loves isn’t mean,

Or manipulative with evils unseen.

Your love satisfies so no jealousy,

Can open us up to the enemy.

So fill us with Your Spirit that claims,

We live in the truth of Your Name (Ps. 26:3)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Promise-Based Hope!  February 21, 2024

Psalm 25:21

When we have trouble and don’t know the cause.

Our first reaction is to turn to God!

He uses these opportunities,

To prove His goodness and mercy (Ps. 25:21).

The enemy seeks to hurt and destroy,

Mangle our assets and steal our joy!

Jesus wants us to come to Him,

And trust that He is our haven!

Lonely?  Hurting?  Understand (Ps. 25:1),

You must reach out and touch His hem (Mark 3:5).

He responds with healing and strength,

And places us where we can see the good things.

***

Father, because of the Lord Jesus Christ,

We have hope for good things in life!

Look at our suffering; take away sins (Ps. 25:18),

And save us from troubles without, within.

Give us joy in place of sorrow.

We believe You are making good things possible!

May we never deny our faults,

But always confess them, expecting results (25:19),

Of good things, Lord, not disgrace (24:20),

Because our hope is promise-based (25:21)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Sin Sickness, February 20, 2024

Mark 2:17

Jesus compares the sinner’s soul,

To having an illness that takes its toll (Mark 2:17).

Sick people seek medical help,

When an illness doesn’t heal itself.

Instead of judging, doctors prescribe,

Drugs to make the illness subside.

For most illnesses there is a cure,

But all need God’s power for sure.

The sin-sick soul is a disease,

With symptoms only Jesus relieves.

There is no healing of the sinner’s plight,

Other than believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16)!

***

Heavenly Father, only You (Ps. 25:15A),

Can do what doctors cannot do (Mark 3:5).

Stop us if we start to stray,

And help us live the right way (Ps. 25:8-10).

When we stubbornly wander off,

Draw us back to the foot of the cross.

Convict and convince us of our sin,

So, we can be forgiven (Mark 2:5).

Prescribe more love for us to be,

Completely, sin-sick illness free.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Lord is Merciful, February 19, 2024

Mark 1:41

There are times we seek for God to heal,

“Lord, You can do this, if You will (Mark 1:40).”

When we pray for somebody else,

We can trust that the Lord hears us (1:29-30).

He understands and He knows that we,

Need our friends and families.

When any of them slips or falls,

We share the burden of it all.

The Psalmist says no one will be,

Disgraced, when trusting God’s mercy (Ps. 25:3).

The burdens we carry, He will bear,

And by His mercy, love and care,

We will be healed, to testify (Mark 1:41),

Of His goodness and mercy all the days of our lives (Ps. 23:6).

***

Abba, Father, extend to us, *

Your mercy today, because we trust,

That You will not let us be disgraced (Ps. 25:2);

When we trust You and stay in faith.

Capture any thoughts that impede,

Reminders of Your love and mercy (25:6).

Let us hear Your still small voice,

Guiding us always toward the right choice.

Thank you, Lord, that You never fail.

Your kindness and mercies always prevail,

To make us victorious, come what may,

As recipients of Your mercy each day (Mark 1:41).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Promise for added Years! February 18, 2024

Proverbs 9:11

Our Lord Jesus invites us, come,

Respect Him and find wisdom (Prov. 9:10).

He calls us to be “fishers of men” (Mk. 1:17),

And to fully connect with Him.

He takes what’s old, to create,

New perspectives that saturate,

Our thoughts until, supported by faith,

We exhibit His love, and grace.

The wise person understands,

Added years come from God’s hands (Prov. 9:10).

***

Father, when we open the door (Ps. 24:7),

To You, we live forevermore!

King of Glory, come and start (24:8),

Engraving Your Word on our hearts.

Grant us wisdom, so that we,

Fulfill our lifelong destiny (Prov. 9:11).

Lord, You show how much You care,

By letting us know Your character (9:10).

Respect for You brings wise cheer,

Adding to life, many more years (9:11)!

Increase our faith, our wisdom too,

And add to our years of service for You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


ALL Power, February 17, 2024

Matthew 28:18

After the Lord arose from the dead (Mt. 28:18).

He met with His disciples and said:

“All power in heaven and on earth,

Is given to Me.”  So, His followers,

Not just a few, but everyone,

May access God’s power through the Son.

ALL power, from earth to heaven above,

Belongs to Christ, the One we love (28:20).

He will return for us, His Bride,

But meanwhile, His great power provides,

Guidance, wisdom, health, and wages,

And is with us through all of life’s stages (28:20).

***

Father, Your Word is life and health! *

So, we ask for Your powerful help (Ps. 24:1-2).

The enemy wants to smother and choke,

Your power, quenching the Holy Ghost.

Lord, reveal sin’s wrong desires,

And purify us with cleansing power (24:4),

Your power brings the dead to life,

And purifies the Bride of Christ (28:18).

Thank you that Your power goes (28:20),

With us, so that others will know (28:7 & Ps. 24:1-6).

That in Your Name, they can receive (28:19),

Salvation from sin, their greatest need.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much*

Total Confidence, February 16, 2024

Psalm 23:6

All will be well with us when we,

Understand our destiny!

God’s hand is always on our heads,

Anointing us with hope, not dread (Ps. 23:5).

He loves to pour fragrant perfume,

Over us, so there’s no room,

For the cares of life somehow, sneak,

Through a crack and steal our peace.

So, with futures full of goals,

Service, worth much more than gold,

We are sure, come what may,

God goes before us every day.

***

Lord, take weakness out of me!

Remove fear’s anxieties!

Nothing changes Your great plans (Ps. 23:6),

Or can make me slip out of Your hands.

Your goodness and Your mercy flows,

In ways, so very personal.

Such peace, deep down inside,

Assures me that You’ll always guide (Prov. 9:6).

May Your shield deflect the darts,

The enemy aims at my heart (23:4-6).

Make each test a testimony,

Of goodness and mercy following me (23:6).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


A Happy Life Pleases the Lord, February 15, 2024

Proverbs 8:32-35

Make God happy by respecting Him (Ps. 22:23A),

Then when you pray, He will listen.

He never ignores or hides from the ones (22:24);

Who follow the teachings of His Son.

Reading His Word makes God happy (Prov. 8:33),

And His Spirit enhances our abilities!

As we meditate, pray, and listen (8:33),

We receive the joy of pleasing Him (8:35).

He gives us a spirit of faith, not doubt,

Happy because He is working things out (8:36).

***

Father, thank you for the blood of the Lamb (Matt. 27:51),

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

The moment, Jesus, when You died,

You completed the plan to save our lives.

Those who mocked You were convinced (27:54),

That the earthquake was no coincidence,

You sent Your Spirit, with gifts, indeed,

To live within us, so You could be pleased,

With all we do and all we say,

Giving glory to God in every way.

Your Spirit gives understanding and wisdom,

That helps us find creative solutions!

Surely, we can do all things through Christ,

Which pleases You—for a happy life.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Stronger Bonds, February 14, 2024

Psalm 22:19

The Psalmist sings a somber song!

By himself, he’s not very strong (Ps. 22:19).

He needs help—the saving kind,

From manmade weapons of his time.

Swords and such, but what is this?

He puts dogs on his list (22:20-21)!

Did they really train their animals,

To kill, or is this metaphorical?

Dogs can hurt, rip and growl,

But perhaps, he is comparing how,

The enemy, like a dog will fight (Matt. 27:18),

So, we need the Almighty’s power and might!

***

Father, come and bless our house,

And strengthen bonds with our spouse.

Adding You to our foundation,

Helps us handle any situation.

Lord, as Your servants, we are aware (Matt. 27:25),

The enemy uses spiritual warfare.

Today, we pray You’ll help us build,

Our strength together, never to yield,

To cultural tactics, mostly unseen.

That tear down the best fortified team.

Give us spirits of joy and laughter,

That will make us resilient and stronger together.

In everything we say and do,

Make our unions stronger with You (Ps. 22:19).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

Christian Perfection, February 13, 2024

Proverbs 8:12

If wisdom had a face,

What kind of features would be,

Evident, as in a portrait,

Of wisdom for all to see?

Wisdom’s eyes are a mixture,

Of understanding and calm,

Seeing through good judgment lenses,

Which wisdom always puts on.

Wisdom’s head isn’t furrowed,

From thoughts, worrisome.

Wisdom’s smile melts a quarrel,

Head tilting to indicate fun.

Since wisdom has been through,

Many years of decision making.

There’s more than a gray hair or two,

But spunk is never fading!

There is just a certain look,

Of peace, void of oppression.

Wisdom’s picture, on a wall, in a book,

Gives a glimpse of Christian perfection.

***

Father, as we head out today,

Let us be that glimpse of You,

In the mirror, and to others along the way,

Showing wisdom in all that we do.

Good sense and understanding,

Are basic for Believers, indeed,

Advising, never demanding,

That others must agree (Prov. 8:14).

You love it when we come and ask,

For Your help in finding wisdom.

Lord, You have promised to bless,

And create in us Your person!

Make us portraits of,

The Lord, Jesus Christ!

With good judgment and love, (8:20),

Always doing what is right.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Spirit Powered Desire, February 12, 2024

Exodus 36:2

By God’s Spirit, He gives us, each one,

All we need to get our work done (Ex. 35:31).

He doesn’t expect only a few,

But many are empowered to “want to” (35:5)!

Along with skill is the willingness,

To offer the Lord our very best.

This includes our energy,

And a heart to help with the ministry!

***

Father, we treasure our places of worship,

And communion with others as kindred spirits (Mt. 26:39),

But sometimes our fleshly habitation (26:41),

Points us in the wrong direction.

Doing things, just like the world,

Keeps us busy but doesn’t’ fulfill (Prov. 8:10),

And satisfy our longing hearts!

So, give us a longing to do our part!

The flesh is hard to put aside,

With selfish traits we cannot hide (Mt. 26:41).

Spirit, work in such a way,

That our desires match Yours today.

Also, help to bring others in (Ex. 36:2),

To skillfully build the Kingdom.

Grant us joy, strengthened in this:

Even our desires are by Your Spirit.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Gaining Trust, February 11, 2024

Exodus 33:11

Moses trusts God, without a doubt,

Because He’s seen Him work things out.

Through Egypt’s tough experiences,

Moses and God become trustworthy friends.

Yet, he must beg God on His knees,

To go with them as they leave (Ex. 33:1-2)!

The people have sinned, and made a mess,

Of following God in their Exodus!!

God cannot stand to live with them (33:1-3).

But Moses changes the Lord’s mind again (33:5-6).

How can one man have such sway?

By meeting together, every day (33:11).

***

Father, You want to guide our steps,

By establishing our relationships,

Especially the one we have with You!

As friends who do what friends would do. (33:17),

The world is against Your Word and Your ways.

So we need You to go with us each day (Ex. 33:13).

Develop in us, Your qualities,

Speaking Your Words when we speak.

Give us more understanding of You,

That leads us to victory in all that we do (33:14).

By Your great power, You know us.

May we “see” You, by gaining Your trust (33:19-21).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God’s Human Resources, February 10, 2024

Exodus 31:3

God sends Moses gifted people,

Who are willing, skilled, talented, and able,

To create designs or cut the jewels,

Finishing all that God says to build!

We may not know these people right now,

But God send to us, those who know how,

To work for Him, and not for evil (Ex. 32:12),

As skilled, gifted, holy people!

Without them, we would become,

Burned out and overwhelmed!

Likewise, when God gives us a gift,

We must develop, use, and share it!

God is great at match forces,

And putting together the right human resources.

***

Father, we can trust Your plan,

Of using various, helping hands.

Because of Your love, we are given,

Others to work with us in Your Kingdom (Ex. 31:11).

Lord, thank you that we can depend,

On skills you give us, and those You command,

To help us, with their favor and grace,

To build Your Kingdom within our space.

Lord, we know You work in this,

Matching us with those whose gifts,

Are all part of our big picture too,

Working together to work for You.

This plan for us, while here on earth,

Includes not creating competitive turf. 

Help us never be remiss,

To acknowledge the giver of all our gifts.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Work: Chore or Choice, February 9, 2024

Matthew 25:21

Faithful workers with consistency,

Are what Christians should choose to be.

These qualities go hand in hand,

With an understanding, we don’t demand,

That difficult loads be lifted this minute,

Knowing, somehow, God is in it (Ex. 29:46).

Loyalty has a different response,

To work, not lazy nor nonchalant (Matt. 25:26),

Concerning all that needs to be done.

Instead, choose to be the loyal ones.

God knows who can take less or more,

But we choose to love it or make it a chore (Matt. 25:21).

***

Father, You are a loyal God.

You make covenants with us, because,

We choose to follow Your teachings and do,

The work that You have called us to (25:4)!

Thank You for being with each day,

Directing our progress, in every way (Ex. 29:45).

There is nothing that’s any better (Prov. 7:7),

Then Loving You Lord Jesus, our Savior.

For You, we have the highest regard,

And work as holy unto God.

Lord, we want to do our best,

So that we can be witnesses (Matt. 25:21).

Come and bless the work we’ve been given, *

As Your servants, this side of Heaven.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers That Avail Much *

Be Expectant! February 8, 2024

Psalm 20:4

We read about blessings in scripture,

That the Prophets give to others,

Godly people, whose habit it is,

To trust and sacrificially give (Ps. 20:3).

Besides God’s blessings bestowed (20:4),

Christ’s Believers are betrothed,

To Him, the Son of God.

So, Christian! Expect His love!

We daily look for the main event,

Of our Lord’s Second Advent (Mt. 24:42)!

While here, expect every need,

Will be met so you can succeed (Ps. 20:4!

***

Lord, You’re our top priority,

Our helper and authority.

We acknowledge, any minute could be,

Our first day with You in glory.

Meanwhile, we can expect,

For You will provide our success (20:4).

Help us keep an expectant heart,

Looking for the seas to part.

For us, You have won the victory!

When You come, help us be ready.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Coming Again! February 7, 2024

Matthew 24:13

Hatred has never been as strong,

And society, so morally wrong!

Rest assured, Your convictions,

Such as life instead of abortion,

Will bring hatred from a neighbor (Matt. 24:10).

But no surprise—they hate each other!

Satan covers, blinds their eyes;

So they hear and believe his lies (24:11).

What results is increased evil,

And very little love for people (24:12).

Those who hang on ‘till the end,

Will receive salvation (24:13). *

God will make this time go fast (24:21),

Otherwise, we couldn’t last (24:22)!

***

Father, thank You for Your plan,

For Jesus Christ will come again (24:30)!

Hatred, jealousy, rejection,

Have been growing since creation.

Give us strength to endure,

And overcome, because we’re sure,

You will give us all we need,

To endure, victoriously.

Lord, increase our faith right now,

With greater vision to see how,

To bring revival to our nation (24:14);

Accelerating Your salvation!!

Lord, help us all to see,

The lessons from the fig tree (24:32)!

When their green leaves appear,

We understand, change is near.

Likewise, Lord, we know Your plan,

Includes Christ coming back again (24:33).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Consistency Produces Reliability, February 6, 2024

Psalm 19:4

If moon and stars can light our,

Navigate, show time of day,

How much more can God direct,

And help us with our next steps?

He’s not just the God of Israel!

He created ALL earth’s people.

The skies give us clear evidence (Ps. 19:1),

Of Almighty God’s existence.

The stars, as loyal as the sun,

Provide us some direction,

But they cannot verbalize (19:3),

God’s purpose for each person’s life.

Only a Higher Deity,

Can have such consistency.

***

Father, every star we see,

Proves Your reliability,

Shining down on good and evil,

Seen everywhere, by earth’s people.

Thank You for salvation’s plan,

Through Christ for EVERY person.

Likewise, Lord, Your Word today,

Provides light in consistent ways (19:2).

As the moon and stars shine,

Your reliable Word guides all mankind.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Humility’s Ladder, February 5, 2024

Matthew 23:10

God’s laws seem fair and common sense!

If you cheat a widow who has no defense,

God will listen to her cries,

And yours will be an unhappy life (Ex. 22:22-24)!

This seems harsh but if the one,

To whom the wrong is being done,

Would ask God for vengeance,

He regards it as serious business!

Our part is to keep looking up,

And expect God to fill our cup.

Seeking humility for ourselves, *

Is something not gleaned from anyone else (Matt. 23:3).

***

Father, help us to climb the ladder,

Of humility, going higher and higher.

The closer we get to Your heights,

The more we reflect Your love and light.

Help us honor what You approve,

So You can sanctify all that we do.

At home, at work, it doesn’t matter,

We must decrease while You’re lifted higher.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado * and Prayers that Avail Much **

Consistent Christian Basics, February 4, 2024

Matthew 22:37

We’ve dating sites for old and young,

All looking for that special “one”.

Marriage and a baby carriage,

Are built on love’s consistent basics.

The love that binds for better or worse,

Is the kind of love that loves God first.

Jesus reminds us, “ALL the laws,

All commands contain this clause:

‘Love the Lord God, above all else,

And love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mt. 22:40).

***

Lord, help us never stray,

From loving You, heart, mind, and soul, each day!

With respect, we quickly learn,

Your tender love is not so stern.

It creates tolerance, deep within,

That forgives because we are forgiven.

We trust Your love, and this becomes,

Our self-awareness, treating everyone,

With the love Your Spirit gives,

Not the flesh in which we live.

Your love, more than anything else,

Is basic in learning to love ourselves.

Only then can we feel good,

And love our neighbor as we should.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus Name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *


Different Perspective Make Different Expectations!  February 3, 2024

Psalm 18:36

Sometimes it seems God takes too long,

To answer—that deadline has come and gone!

But Scripture says He is without fault (Ps. 18:30),

So, trust Him to work everything out (18:31),

We must be willing change, again,

To revamp or even, put aside our plans. *

The view of our vision could possibly be,

Obscured by a picture too close to see!

Stand aside. Get a different perspective.

God has better plans and objectives.

***

Father, thank You for preparing a table (Matt. 22:9),

Sometimes, right amid the battle.

Help us remember You are never defeated.

You have provided all that we’ve needed.

So, Lord, if the vision seems blurry right now,

Give what we need to not throw in the towel!

Lord, we are willing to revamp and trust,

That You are way out ahead of us (Ex. 17:5)!

Thank You for knowing a better way,

That we just can’t see or imagine today (Ps. 18:36).

Give us strength to “bend a bronze bow (18:34),”

Trusting that YOU already know!

We believe in Your love, so without hesitation,

We pray that You’ll change our small expectations.

In Jesus name,

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

Confident People Don’t Mumble! February 2, 2024

Exodus 16:7

God keeps His promise,

To provide for every day (Ex. 15:13)!

We cannot doubt, like Thomas,

Nor be anxious and afraid!

When we fuss and grumble,

Here’s the reality,

God winces at each mumble:

As if disloyalty (16:8)!”

Remember, we’re the light (Ps.18:28),

That brightens every room.

We’re examples of God’s might (Prov. 18:24),

And His victory over gloom!

If we’ll sing about His favor,

How He’s saved us from the fall.

And blesses our endeavors,

He will answer when we call.

***

Lord, You have saved us,

To live abundantly!

With Your blood, You gave us (Ex. 15:26),

Promised guarantees. *

You’ll  provide, but we must gather (16:4),

And be willing to work each day.

You keep things that bother,

From getting in our way.

You give all things good (Ps. 18:25).

And with Your help You lighten (18:28),

This dark and weighty world,

So we’re confident not frightened!!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Miraculous Fruit!  February 1, 2024

Exodus 14:14

Read into the dialogue (Ex. 13:3-4),

And imagine it’s YOU, hearing from God!

Like the Israelites, realize,

We need God to save our lives (Ex. 14:15)!

The slavery they had left,

Robbed them of their confidence,

And kept them doubting God within (13:3),

Until they began to trust in Him (14:10).

Go “Raise your walking stick… “(14:16),

And then they saw the Red Sea split,

With water piled on either side,

God made a path, clear and dry!

***

We praise You, Father,  Almighty God!

And claim Your power from above.

Lord, help us not retreat,

At the sound of enemy feet!

Satan wants to take control,

But Lord, prove You’re more powerful (14:31)!

Stop the principalities,

That push back on our victories (Ex. 14:14)!

Help us to produce (Mt. 21:21),

More than leaves, miraculous fruit!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Serve Under God’s Watch, January 31, 2024

Matthew 20:27

By the blood of Christ, we’re set free,

From slave-like service and tyranny (Mt. 20:27).

Thus, we follow the ways of Christ,

Who came to serve and give His life,

And try to view each assignment,

As service that falls into alignment,

With Scripture and Christ’s own example,

Able to say, “Lord, we are able” (20:22)!

***

Father, help us in this culture,

Of narcissistic, affective disorders!

Others look for ways to be served,

Ignoring correction in Your Word!

Lord, keep us from forgetting,

That serving You brings joy and blessing!

Bowing down to tie a shoe,

Is the level where grace can best work through.

When adversity weakens resolve,

To serve others, help us because,

We don’t want to be hurt by people,

In high positions, doing evil.

So, help us serve in Your Kingdom,

Under Your watch, as Your children (Ex. 12:42).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Dealing With Jealousy? January 30, 2024

Matthew 20:15

“The last shall be first” is a mystery (Mt. 20:16),

But it helps us deal with jealousy!

Sometimes we can’t help transitions,

Missing seniority’s higher positions!

It is difficult, more or less,

For the last ones in line to benefit.

When a new person moves up the pole,

Those with seniority tend to grumble (Matt. 20:11)!

The Kingdom of God does not compare,

Status and position as we do down here!

“Start with the last and end with the first (Mt. 20:9)!”

This isn’t fair in our universe!

If we work longer, we expect,

To have much more in our paycheck!

Up in heaven, God must laugh,                         

Knowing who’s first, and who will be last!!

***

Father, turn our captivity (Exod. 10:29),

And free us to be what You want us to be!

Forgive us Lord, if we’ve been jealous,

Of those who get ahead of us!

Help us live in the norms of Your Kingdom,

So that we bear fruit in any position.

Come, make us strong with the joy of the Lord,

Allowing You complete control (Ps. 17:14).

You keep us from desiring rewards,

Because we know all the glory is Yours!

Give us the courage to pray for power (17:7),

That through us, Christ is seen and honored (Prov. 5:21).

Bring to earth, Your heavenly laws,

And make Your views determine ours.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace of the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Leave Them to God to Judge, January 29, 2024

Matthew 19: 26

God is the one who saves people,

Making all things, possible.

Judging who’s a big hot mess,

Is none of our business (Ps. 17:2)!

God alone, decides each fate,

And no one else can dictate,

His plans for those who claim,

Salvation, in Jesus’ Name.

God’s best for us will include,

Ways in which we will be used,

As God’s arm of acceptance,

Because He knows true repentance (Matt. 16:35)!

***

Lord, help us show mercy,

Wisdom with courtesy,

Knowing Your greatest purpose,

Is to use each one of us.

Lord, You prayed in the garden,

For all of us would be pardoned.

Use us to be successful,

With our efforts to share the gospel.

Your miracles, and victories,

Are ours while on this journey.

Help our hearts to understand,

Submission to Your perfect plan,

And not to be quick to dismiss,

Those who are a big hot mess!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


What Holiness Demands! January 28, 2024

Psalm 16:11

We’d rather be busy than holy,

Thus, we’ve so many duties!

Doing good things that must done,

Can steal away our freedom.

Beware! There are some like Egyptians,

Who have no godly convictions,

And will keep us as slaves, so busy,

That we won’t have time to be holy!

Perhaps, the devil has ordered,

His cohorts, and his followers,

To go and “make them work harder,

Then they won’t have time to bother (Exod. 5:9),

To listen to God or worship Him,

And forget God’s wonderful plans for them (Jer. 29:11)!”

***

Father, come, teach us how,

To have more time to allow (Ps. 16:11),

Your holy spirit to guide what we do,

And make us holy unto You.

We cannot ignore forgiveness (Matt. 18:33),

When a brother or sister offends us.

Come, mend our hearts and inspect,

Any wounds or areas of neglect,

Due to our busy lifestyles!

We need time bask and imagine Your smile,

To meditate and fill our minds,

With joy, we can only find (Ps. 16:11),

In Your presence, at Your right hand.

Lord, this is what holiness demands.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God Of Miracles!  January 27, 2024

Exodus 4:4

God told Moses, “Thrown down your stick” (Ex. 4:2),

And He made a snake out of it!

God shows many miraculous things,

For Moses to use to convince the king,

To let the Israelites have their freedom,

And Moses is going to really need them.

Once he takes the snake in hand,

It turns into a stick again (4:4)!

Sometimes God wants us to take hold,

Of fear, and instead, be bold (4:11-12),

And let Him change it for our gain,

But also, to glorify His Name.

***

Lord, help us not to cave,

But face what makes us so afraid.

Like a snake it strikes our heels,

But by Your power, Lord, reveal,

That You can change and make it useful,

Because, You are the God of miracles!

Give us courage; remove the dread (4:3),

And grant us favor, Lord, instead (3:21).

Move us forward and never away (4:13),

Confidently saying what You tell us to say (4:15).

Lord, we believe You want victory (Ps. 16:5),

And can work through us, miraculously!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

(Jan. 25 & 26 TBA)

Trust My Love, January 24, 2024

Psalm 13:5

Sometimes we wonder, “How long must I be (Ps. 13:2),

Burdened with something too heavy for me?”

And like the Psalmist, cry out to God,

And He answers us, “Trust My love (13:5).”

With a glace behind, God reminds,

That He has rescued us every time.

This brings thoughts, like the dawn (Prov. 4:18);

And makes our hearts sing praise songs (Ps. 13:6)!

The wicked will stumble, and make mistakes (Prov. 4:19),

But the God Who loves us will never forsake.

Trusting His love makes Him glad,

To take and increase the little we have (Matt. 15:36).

***

Father, thank You for the stable ground,

Of love that keeps us safe and sound.

We will never lack good things,

Because of all Your blessings.

You provide insights, as well,

And understanding that time will tell,

You are loyal to those who hear,

“Trust My love, and do not fear.”

Asking, “How long?” You respond (15:34),

“The way of good people is like the dawn (Prov. 4:18),

Growing brighter ‘til the full light of day.”

Lord, we trust Your love this way.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *


Expect Deliverance, January 23, 2024

Psalm 12:5

Shocked!  Jacob cannot believe,

His son is alive, for whom he has grieved!

God changed everything in a day;

His anguish and sorrow… washed away!

The Lord sees those who are being hurt (Ps. 12:4),

And calculates how best to divert,

Their pain and suffering, drying tears,

From all the many difficult years (12:5).

God heals the hurts of His children.

He can change any bad situation!

God takes what the world meant for harm,

To fulfill His will, so don’t be alarmed (Gen. 45:5)!

***

Lord, You brought Joseph out of prison,

And likewise, for us, You’ve the same intention.

Bless us, Lord, with better things,

As Lord of our lives, Almighty Kings (Ps. 12:5)!

Lord, You see and realize,

How Your children are despised!

Those who stand for the gospel truth,

Need the deliverance that comes from You.

You can stop every affliction,

Promote, heal, or provide protection.

Bless us now with the peace of Your presence,

Expecting a change for good any minute..

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Letting Go!  January 22, 2024

Proverbs 4:11

Jacob faces his greatest fear,

Of losing the child he holds so dear.

He clutches Benjamin with fright,

The “only” son of his beloved, dead wife.

But letting him go is the key,

For the survival of his family.

He gives in because he knows,

It’s a matter of time, so he must let go.

“If it must be, then go and do this (Gen. 43:11),

Take the man more money and gifts,

And I will pray that God Almighty,

Will cause the governor to have mercy (43:14),”

Jacob lets go and gives it to God,

Which is always the hardest part of,

Our faith!  At one time or another (Ps. 11:5-7),

We must let go of, “whatever!”

***

Father, for Jacob, Your plan includes,

Returning to him what he thought he might lose.

Lord, You know how best, to test us;

Instead of losing, You will bless us!

You have promised to restore,

What’s been stolen with much more!

Give us strength to give it up (Prov. 4:11-12)”

And believe You will do what we can’t do ourselves.

Come, Father God, and walk us through,

The plans that will best glorify You!

Guide us in the way of wisdom (4:11);

To let go and seek Your vision.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


It Could Mean Freedom!  January 21, 2024

Genesis 41:9

We are all prone to forget,

So, we sometimes make a list!

All the things we’d like to forget (Gen. 42:22),

Can interfere with our success.

Remember this, we can choose,

Thoughts to keep and the ones to refuse.

Relax!  Trust God to remind,

What we need, at the right time (41:9).

***

Father, help us finally release,

Any unhealthy memories.

Thoughts that keep us from bearing fruit, *

Need to be given over to You!

Lord, we bring to You all we have,

So You can turn it into success (Matt. 14:18).

May our thoughts tend toward,

Holiness that we’ve ignored.

Remind us that which we’ve forgotten!

As with Joseph, it could mean freedom (Gen. 41:9).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and

Prayers that Avail Much*

 

The Cream Rises! January 20, 2024

Matthew 13:49

Joseph’s extremely troubled life (Gen. 30:14),

Gives us hope in our own strife!

When Satan ruins everything,

We’ll rise to the top, just like cream.

God makes good, our situations,

Even with many complications!

When we aren’t where we want to be,

God blesses us for HIS glory (Gen. 39:21)!

***

Father, because we trust in You,

No matter what we’re going through,

We will still be sure to sing (39:8-9),

Praises to You, our Savior and King!

You will make Your glory known,

And prove that You are on the throne!

Open the eyes of those deceived (Matt. 13:58),

To understand and truly believe,

That one day, You will separate,

The wheat from the weeds and not hesitate,

To sentence the wicked. It will be this way (13:49),

No matter what revisionists say!!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Understand Scripture, January 19, 2024

Matthew 13:23

The Word of God, yes, the Scripture we read,

Reveals human nature’s depravity.

The law for women adulterers (Gen. 38:24),

Would not work in today’s culture.

A man’s adulterous behavior,

Was accepted and glossed over (Gen. 38:20).

Amazingly, God’s going to make,

A good thing out of Judah’s mistake (38:26)!

Likewise, when we admit,

We are wrong, God forgives it!!

He tosses the guilt that brings regrets,

Into the sea of forgetfulness.

Understand, this is the reason,

Good can come from our transgressions!

WE might have trouble forgetting,

But God’s love has no second-guessing.

He can take the wrongs of our past,

And produce good fruit from them that lasts.

This all begins when we believe,

And understand Scripture’s stories (Matt. 13:23).

***

Father, help us understand,

Your teachings to hear Your direction.

Forgive us of any hidden sins,

And move us forward, cleansed within!

We hang on to the guilt and cannot,

Forget the sins You already forgot!

Lord, thank You! Our slate IS clean,

And You can keep us from falling!

Make us better ground for You,

To produce an abundance of good fruit.

Judah’s flesh caused him to succumb,

To sin, but Lord, You took what was done,

And made Judah a part of,

The lineage of Christ, the Messiah.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Mac Lucado

Speak Good Things from the Heart, January 18, 2024

Matthew 12:34B

What’s in the heart WILL come out,

Revealing what we think about!

Goodness IS what goodness does,

And every word we say will be judged (Matt. 12:36)!

Doing good for others works more,

Then planning to somehow, settle the score.

When the heart houses the Holy Spirit,

It shouts for joy so all can heart it!

We say good words, without excuses,

Or negative phrases, stupid and useless.

***

Lord, You said, those NOT on Your side,

Work against You in ways that divide.

Like joining the enemy to destroy (Matt. 12:25),

God’s Kingdom, these people, steal our joy!

Lord, may we be the different ones,

Who believe the best is yet to come!

Help us not let, careless thinking,

Fill our tongues with worthless speaking!

Thank you for this reminder today,

To check our hearts, so that we say,

Holy and righteous words that help,

To create unity and build people up.

“Good people will say good things (12:35).”

Make us good, so we can bring,

Light in darkness, and do our part,

To speak good things from our hearts.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Time Changes Things, January 17, 2024

Matthew 12:7

Jacob feared Esau’s grudge,

But over time their brotherly love,

Would work to melt the hate within,

And keep Esau from killing him!

Even though it seems they’re fine,

Complete trust will take some time (Gen. 33:16).

Jacob decides to settle down,

Near a different little town.

Knowing true forgiveness in life,

Can only be found in Jesus Christ!

Only after His Spirit’s released,

Will our kindness and grace increase!

The Old Testament’s, “Tooth for tooth,”

Becomes forgiveness, in the New!

***

Lord, You love us more than we know!

Thank You, that Your teachings show,

How to respond in kindness, like You,

And forgive others for the wrongs they do.

Spirit, open our eyes to see,

The good more than the ugly.

We’re forgiven, Your prized treasures,

And You want us live together,

In harmony with no complaints,

Especially with immature saints (Matt. 12:19)!

You’re careful, not to break bruised grass (Matt. 12:20),

Nor disregard our weakness to ask,

For more of Your Spirit to grow the fire,

Of forgiveness, kindness, grace, and power.

Help us patiently wait for this,

Being like You in love, and forgiveness.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


It’s Okay to Ask for a Blessing, January 16, 2024

Genesis 32:26

Is it okay? What is it like,

To wrestle with God throughout the night (Gen. 32:26)?

Is it possible, just perhaps,

That God spars in a wrestling match?

He changes Jacob’s name to Israel, (32:28),

As a patriarch of His people.

But who else is wrestle with God and know it?

Those to whom the Son shows it (Mt. 11:27).

Don’t give up! Pray and hold on,

To God, until the break of dawn (Gen. 32:23).

***

Father, help us understand,

To pray until You share Your plan!

Just like Jacob, we long for,

Blessings from heaven’s store!

Spiritually, let us be so close,

To feel the presence of the Holy Ghost.

You’ve made us to become much more,

Then we could ever hope for (Ps. 8:4).

We’ll give you the praise for every blessings,

And seek Your will in our giving,

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Wise, but Innocent, January 15, 2024

Matthew 10:16

If like sheep we’re afraid of the wolves,

We won’t share what God tells us!

But He commands us to be bold,

And shout it from the housetops!

Be wise as serpents, while gentle as doves (Matt. 10:16);

Study to gain precision and skill (Gen. 29:42-43)!

Jesus says He will do His part,

So don’t be afraid to do His will (Matt. 10:19)!

Whoever accepts you accepts Him (10: 40),

Along with the Father above.

Good people have this discernment within,

Knowing the wolf from the dove (10:41).

*** 

Father, remove any residue,

Any sin that has left a stain.

We pray our words will come from You,

With the courage to share Your Name (10:27).

Give us joy, so we’re always pleasant (Prov. 3:17),

Feeling safe within Your fold!

Bless us, Lord, in every assignment,

To spread the Gospel, bold (Matt. 10:20)!

Lord, because we follow You (10:22),

You said, we’ll be targets of,

Those who hate to hear the truth!

Make us wise, but innocent as doves (10:16)!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Give a Tenth to God, January 14, 2024

Genesis 27:33

Something’s gone wrong within our culture.

A person reneges, a promise is altered!

We all know this sad business fact,

Words mean nothing. We need a contract.

Either party can decide to say,

“I never said that!” And people part ways.

Love always seems to run its course,

And it’s just so easy to get a divorce!

God does what’s right and knows what’s best (Ps. 7:17),

And He decides whom He should bless!

No doubt, He searches the world and asks,

“Who will be loyal to do MY tasks?

Who’ll share my blessings with the world?”

The answer seems fair and natural!

God will bless those who give (Gen. 28:22),

A tenth to God… which is already His.

***

Father, we live in difficult times (Ps. 7:11),

People promise, then change their minds!

Help us be loyal and not forsake,

To keep the promises that we make!

Save us from the manipulation,

Of others to better their own situation.

We know if we’ll diligently seek Your will,

You’ll keep Your promises in Your Word,

To bless us, standing before kings (Prov. 22:29; 31:27),

And share the blessings that You bring.

Bless us, Father, and let everyone,

See You blessing our daughters, and sons.

Let us be children whom You can trust,

To share all the blessings, You’ve given to us.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Riches of Peace, January 13, 2024

Proverbs 3:9

Amazing is the calm, the peace,

When honoring the Lord.

He declares an increase,

Of things we can’t afford.

The world’s idea of blessing,

Great wealth and prestige,

Are different for God’s children,

Who are rich in peace.

We’ve learned that all we have,

And all we’ll ever own,

Isn’t what we produce,

But rather, what’s on loan.

The more we honor God,

The more we give to Him,

And in exchange His blessing,

Is awesome peace within.

***

Father, the world today,

Desires fame and favor.

We pray that as Your children,

That we will give You honor (Prov. 3:9).

Help us understand,

How best to do this!

Giving from our first fruits,

Is part of how we’re blessed.

Obedience, is another way,

Of love, and loyalty,

Add zeal to the formula,

And we’re blessed abundantly.

Honor and respect,

Are worthless, if without,

Your deep abiding love,

And trusting without doubts.

Thanks be to God!

Your peace overflows,

In everything we do,

As faith matures and grows.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God’s Guidance, Crystal Clear, January 12, 2024

Genesis 24:15

Don’t depend upon feelings to guide,

Because they’re always changing inside!

The only way we can calculate (Gen. 24:21),

How to respond, react and relate (Matt. 9:12-13),

Is to maintain great respect for the Lord,

And refuse to do wrong in the world (Prov. 3:7-8)!!

He will open our ears to hear,

His guiding voice, crystal clear.

***

Thank You Lord, for Your Spirit today,

Guiding us in the right way.

Thank You for Your love that’s real,

That overrides how we feel!!

Help us speak what will edify,

And not let the flesh be our guide,

With greater respect and wisdom,

Give us more faith and discipline.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


We Will Be Tested, January 11, 2024

Matthew 8:27

We have all experienced fear!

But the Lord is with us, right now, right here,

So, we must constantly recognize,

That He’s not afraid, nor surprised (Matt. 8:26)!

God promises He will bless us,

But that doesn’t mean He won’t test us (Gen. 22:2)!

Abraham’s test shows the world (Gen 22:8),

The length to go to obey the Lord.

We can claim these promises too!

God will bless our children through,

Our obedience, yes, daughters and sons,

Will be blessed in the days to come (22:18)!

***

Lord, You know we’re committed to You,

But we understand, we’ll be tested too.

Abraham knew You would find a way,

And somehow had the words to say,

To prompt obedience from his son,

So that Your will would be done.

Thanks be to God!  You will provide,

All we need, so hear our cry,

“Father, keep us in Your will,

And when tested, make waves be still” (Matt 8:27).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Trust God Right Now, January 10, 2024

Matthew 8:26

“Now” is the only time we have.

Hours and minutes will not last.

It doesn’t help to sugar coat,

Fear and doubt with positive quotes.

Oh, that we could just let loose,

Of fear that strangles like a noose!

Only faith should be allowed,

Trusting God, right here, right now (Matt. 8:13).

***

Thank You, Lord. You can heal (8:2-3),

Past or present hurts that steal,

Our peace, joy, love, and faith,

Shoveling doubts into their space.

Lord, we pray for vindication (Gen. 20:16),

Victory, healing, and restoration (Ps. 6:2-4)!

We know that You can right each wrong,

So the truth is revealed, but Lord, how long (6:3)?

Help us trust You as we should,

Right now expecting You can and would (Matt. 8:13),

Give us success in all we do,

Because right now, we are trusting You (Prov. 3:5-6).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Language of God, January 9, 2024

Genesis 18:25 & Proverbs 2:10

Consider Abraham’s way of praying (Gen. 18:25)!

His respect for God goes without saying,

But he’s learned to pray more like a counselor,

And God responds with loving favor (18:32)!

God wants us likewise to pray as though,

We’ve reasons why it should be so!

His Spirit whispers gentle prompts,

With wisdom, priming heaven’s pumps (Prov. 2:10)!

“Ask and God will give to you (Matt. 7:7)!

Search and you’ll find the answers too!

Knock and the door will be opened!”

Pray to God in the language of wisdom (Prov. 2:10)!

***

Abba, Father, You teach us the way,

To converse with You and wisely pray.

As a result, we’ll find happiness (Prov. 2:10),

Understanding and good common sense (2:11).

Like Abraham, we desire to come,

And have a good conversation!

You are a fair and a righteous judge,

But You’re also generous with Your love.

Thank You that You’re never bothered (Gen. 18:32),

At our requests, because like a Father,

Your patience will not let us languish,

As we learn to speak in Your language.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Believe God’s Promises!  January 8, 2024

Genesis 15:6

When WE believe the Lord,

Our faith is accepted (Gen. 15:6),

Because our FAITH ensures,

His promises projected!

Read it in His Word;

It’s not by luck or chances,

Believe what You’ve heard,

God say through circumstance (15:7)!

Remember God’s peace,

Beyond your understanding?

In His time, He will release,

The results of what He’s planning.

***

Father, at times,

We’ve tried to make things happen;

We’ve crossed the line,

With our own interventions (16:1-2).

Your promises of past,

Through Scripture or by hearing,

Will not come to pass,

Unless we are believing!

Faith like Abraham,

Makes us right with You.

We believe and trust You can,

Do what You want to do!

By Your power and might,

You will bring us justice!

No more fight or flight,

Just BELIEVING in Your promises.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus Name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s Scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

Seek God’s Will, January 7, 2024

Matthew 6:10

Sometimes the path we should take isn’t clear,

But God does not want us to while here (Prov. 2:4).

He’d rather us ALL follow His will (2:5),

So our heart’s desires can be fulfilled.

Seeking Him, respectfully,

Leads us into great victories.

Amazingly, things fall in place,

When we take the time to seek His face. *

God truly wants our very best (Matt. 6:3 & 17),

So, seek His will, and He’ll do the rest Ps.4:8)!

***

Lord, Your promises are clear!

When our searching is sincere,

For Your will, and Your Kingdom come,

Our hearts will find common ground (Prov. 2:1-5).

Hear us when we cry for help (2:3),

To do the things that we cannot!

You alone have all the answers,

And seeking elsewhere doesn’t matter!

Ignorance grows and eats away,

At our desire for prayer and praise,

If we do not seek diligently,

Pray and listen more carefully (Prov. 2:5).

Lord, help us to know Your mind,

And seek Your will, all the time.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Be Encouraged Not to Settle! January 6, 2024

Matthew 5:39

Often, we settle for different objectives,

Because our faith is disconnected,

To what could be miraculous,

So, impatiently, we will settle for less.

God allows some of His children,

To handle the weight of some heavy problems!

One person’s burden is hard for another,

But God helps us through it to bless others (Gen. 12:2)!!

Settling for less is so much easier,

Making us settle, as a people pleaser!

Do not quit or lose Your vision,

And settle for less then the plan God has given.

***

Father, You equip us for every task,

Knowing what we need before we ask!

Today, go before us and make it clear,

Of Your plans for us so the doubts disappear (Ps. 4:1-3).

We trust that You hear each prayer we pray.

When we truly seek, You point the way (4:3).

We’ve been careful not to retaliate (Matt. 5:44);

And we’re praying for those who’ve done nothing but hate!

When angry, Lord, we’ve tried to be quiet,

Not telling everyone but praying about it (Ps. 4:4)!

Father, help us do the right thing,

As a sacrifice that we faithfully bring (4:5),

To be encouraged by You each day,

Chosen and blessed, in every way (4:3).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Favor and Blessing in 2024, January 5, 2024

Matthew 5:18

Christians often get the wrong picture,

Trying to live their lives without Scripture.

We’ll offer signs of peace and love,

Then in the next breath, smear, and judge.

Jesus reminds us to have self-control,

And to understand our impoverished souls (5:3)!

Jesus reminds us, God sees,

And blesses us when we grieve Go (5:6).

Also, we’re blessed when we recognize,

The impurities of gloating and pride (5:7).

Those who hunger and thirst for justice,

Will be the satisfied amongst us (5:8).

***

Lord, You said, those who do not follow (5:19),

Scriptural teachings will have much trouble!

You’ve also said that nothing has changed,

From the beginning until Jesus came!

Lord, help us not withhold our love,

From a brother or sister, so we won’t be judged (5:22).

Your Word outlines what is dangerous,

But also, gives reasons that we’re blessed!

So please help us take Scripture to heart,

And not be reluctant to do our part.

Open doors and lead today,

To keep us blessed in every way (5:7-9).

Yes, may Your blessings and favor come,

In this year’s new journey around the sun.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Just Keep Trying! January 4, 2024

Genesis 8:10

Maturity and wisdom go hand in hand,

To grow us into strong men and women (Ps. 3:1)!

There will be those, ignorant,

Paranoid, leaving a narcissistic dent!

But Jesus calls us to focus on this,

To try and “catch” people like catching fish (Matt. 4:19)!

Just keep trying, because over time (4:10),

People can change!  Keep casting the line (4:17).

***

Father, thank You for guiding our way,

And for those who will be with us today.

Help us never miss a chance,

To have hope for others, like an olive branch (Gen. 8:10).*

Maintaining hope for others, for sure,

Motivates us to “go fishing” some more.

May we be the arms that embrace,

Those who need forgiveness and grace.

Help us to not overlook the obvious,

That ornery people don’t fight against us (Ps. 3:1)!

Telling the truth and being quick to forgive,

Rub them wrong, they’d rather live,

Following selfish desires, instead,

Of listening to what Scripture says (Matt. 4:4).

Soften hard hearts and give them a chance,

At hope and new life, like the dove’s olive branch,*

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Project Grace and Love, January 3, 2024

Matthew 3:17

Imagine, God looks at us the way,

We look at our own precious, little babes.

They have our same eyes, nose, and hair,

And sometimes, it’s like looking into a mirror!

With great love, we answer their cries,

While God bottles up the tears in their eyes.

His emotions of love, like a parent,

Works for us to make sure that we inherit.

All that is His! How wonderful!

To be made in His image, heart, and soul.

***

Father, we pray that our hearts share a beat,

Made in Your image from head to our feet!

You’ve given each one a new name in glory,

That will be revealed, along with the story,

Of how we have walked with You on this earth (Gen. 5:24),

Documented before our birth.

Help us understand Your power and might,

And clothe us in dignity, wisdom, and insight.

Lord, let Your Holy Spirit project,

Your grace and love in today’s darkness (6:5).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Good Abides, Evil Hides, January 2, 2024

Genesis 4:6-7

In the beginning, God must question,

Why Adam and Eve listened to Satan (Gen. 3:6)!

“Where are you?” God’s heart feels the sting (3:9-11),

“How could you have done such a thing (3:13)?”

No doubt, God’s children had broken His trust,

But likewise, He shakes His head at us (3:19).

Adam and Eve didn’t know what to say,

So, they hid from God, which is evil’s way (3:8).

God’s children are lost. Yet, He fore-knew,

What understanding good and evil would do (3:15).

The choice remains for all generations,

The goodness of God, or evil’s domination.

***

Father, Your love, so deep and wide,

Is something from which we should never hide.

As parents we deal with trials and heartaches,

When a child disobeys or makes mistakes.

Just as You told Cain to have self-control,

Because evil sought his soul (4:7),

Help us not yield to carnal lies,

But cling to Your goodness, without compromise.

Lord, we need guidance in everything,

And ask You to lead us, like the three kings (Matt. 2:10),

On a journey, where this year takes us,

We trust that Your love will never forsake us.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God Controls Time, January 1, 2024

Genesis 1:3

In Genesis, we find many answers,

Concerning our world, and our ancestors.

But Matthew tells time with the generations,

Of Christ’s lineage, through documentation.

Time isn’t something that blasted in space,

But God made earth first, then put time in place.

The sun and the moon are not even hovering,

While God makes night and day… out of nothing.

God wants us to know we exist (Prov. 1:2),

In His image, made to be His (Gen. 1:26).

But before the first day, He also knew,

That man would do something he shouldn’t do!

Time became a consequence,

For Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

Time, now a noose, wraps around every neck,

To push us toward an appointment with death.

***

Father, thank you for another new day.

Another new year, to gratefully pray,

For wisdom to manage our time and bear fruit Ps. 1:3),

Sharing the timeless Gospel of Truth.

We commit to You each moment we have (Prov. 1:1-3),

Because You can take it, what’s great, what’s bad,

And extrapolate time to bring about good,

Giving success, as You promised You would (Ps. 1:3)!

In the beginning, Your Spirit was there,

Like a mist on the waters, before there was air (Gen. 1:2)!

And now, Emmanuel, dwells within (Ps. 1:6),

To bless us each day with fruit in season (1:1:3).

Grant us more self-control to trust,

That You are controlling time for us.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Anticipate the New Year, December 31, 2023

Malachi 3:10-11

Today we come to the very edge,

Of another New Year with hope instead,

Of fear, knowing that God has designed,

Our lives, no matter the year or time.

God provides the seed for our crops (Mal. 3:11),

Protects our children, grown or tots.

If we are faithful to bring Him our tithes (3:10),

He will open His floodgates wide,

To bless us with all the blessings we need dwell (3:10),

Which includes good health, and ways to succeed (4:2).

But the future of those who lack respect,

For God’s Holy Word, is filled with regret (4:3).

Charm is deceptive and beauty will fade (Prov. 31:30),

But those who fear God will be blessed,always.

***

Father, there are many wonderful things,

To anticipate that a new year brings.

Grow our faith to be sure of our purpose,

And we will honor You with our worship (Rev. 21:9).

Help us to love the work we do,

And may it bring delight to You!

We pause today to rededicate,

Our lives to You, and pray You’ll take,

All that we have, our families too,

As vessels for Your very own use.

Lord, Your love, conquers our fear,

As we anticipate a brand-new year (Rev. 22:20)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

The Book of Life, December 30, 2023

Zechariah 13:8 & Revelation 20:14 & 15

Two-thirds of humans on earth will be gone,

While one-third survives to carry on (Zech. 13:8-9).

God will purify, testing those left (13:9),

By fire, while answering their prayer requests.

He will acknowledge them as His own,

When the Lord returns to set up His throne (14:5).

Their names will be written in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15).

To live and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ.

***

Father, we all want to be well-accepted,

Honored, loved, and widely respected.

But in the end, when Jesus comes,

All will be judged by what they have done (20:14).

It’s not a matter of what’s done TO us,

But how we react and in Whom we trust.

Not all will be happy when You come;

Not all will be “saved” and THIS is troublesome!

No wonder the world does not accept,

A message where only one third is left!

Lord, we will trust, seek You and pray,

For others to believe on Christ and be saved!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Our Purpose Is to Praise, December 29, 2023

Revelation 19:5

God created the world all around us,

And gives each person the same purpose.

His plan for us, big and small,

Is to praise Him as the Ruler of all.

God has devised everything,

Even a special horse for a King.

Yes, when Jesus claims His bride,

He’ll have a majestic white horse to ride (Rev. 19:11),

And written on His blood-dipped robe,

Will be, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16).”

Give Him praise, our Lord and Savior,

Because this will be our purpose forever.

***

Lord, we’re amazed at Your end plan,

And what’s in store for all of creation.

From the smallest fly that seems to torment,

To the horse, a beautiful pasture ornament,

All will praise You, intentionally,

And show great accountability,

Concerning if we have spent our days,

Fulfilling our purpose of grateful praise.

Forever starts now, before Your throne,

As we praise and honor You, alone (Rev. 19:5)!

Glory to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Twice Blessed! December 28, 2023

Zechariah 9:12

All people belong to the Lord (Zech. 9:1).

According to God's Holy Word (9:16).

He promises good in many ways:

“Have hope, I’m telling you today (Zech. 9:12),

That I will give back, twice the cost,

Of whatever’s been stolen, taken, or lost.”

He watches those with angry displeasure,

Who separate sisters and brothers,

And says we won’t be bothered by such,

When we are blessed twice as much!

Pride becomes hope’s competition,

And keeps people from being a blessing.

God doesn’t listen to those at all,

Who turn from Him when He calls (7:13).

Yes, the Lord wants only good things,

And blesses us to be a blessing (9:9).

***

Father, thank You for giving back,

Double of anything that we lack.

Things that seem impossible,

Are nothing for You to double (Zech. 9:12)!

This promise is not for those with pride,

Who refuse to let You be their guide.

But to those who love Your truth and peace (8:18),

Doubled blessings are released!

Seasons of joy and great reward,

Are all great blessings from the Lord!

So help us always to speak the truth,

To be a blessing, blessed by You (8:13)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God Designs Success! December 27, 2023

Zechariah 4:6

Fore any success, a person needs (Rev. 17:9):

To understand the Scriptures, they read!

God tells us through His Prophets:

“It is not by your strength, but by My Spirit (Zech. 4:6);”

That we can work and be successful,

Completing His vision in this world.

Our small deeds are also important (4:10),

Like David’s pebbles that killed a giant!

God works on our behalf,

So that we can have success!

***

Father, sometimes we tend to view,

Work as separate, but it’s all for You!

Each new day, we grasp and cling,

To Your Spirit to do ALL things (4:6)!

Without You, Lord, we lack the wisdom,

To understand the Scriptures You’ve given (Rev. 17:9)!

Someday everything will end,

With a battle alongside the Lamb (Rev. 17:14).

Your Book will be closed, Satan defeated,

And Your plans will be successfully completed!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado 

Precious To God, December 26, 2018

Zechariah 2:8

The Old Testament prophet’s visions (Zech. 1:8),

Are replicated in Revelation (Rev. 6:1-7).

The end will come with no one detecting!

The world will be calm and unsuspecting (Zech. 1:10)!

At that time an angel will ask:

“How long?” And God will answer at last (Zech. 1:12 & Rev. 6:10).

Meanwhile, He comforts His children who wait,

But gets angry with those who think they are safe (Zech. 1:14)!

The Lord will show mercy to Jerusalem (1:14),

As well as to us, His precious children (1:13-16).

***

Lord, thank You that we are the ones,

Sheltered from all the evil to come (1:14)!

We are loved and precious to You (2:8),

And what touches us, must filter through,

Your fingers of love, so knowing this,

Keeps us calm, in the darkness.

Lord, open eyes of those not believing,

In You as Lord, nor Your Second Coming.

Help us continue to share Your Word,

And not be swayed by this world.

Thank you for peace and hope without dread,

Trusting and believing all that You’ve said.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Blessed From Now On!  December 25, 2023

Haggai 2:19

“From now on I will bless you (Haggai 2:19).”

Trust God to do what He says He will do (2:23)!

Almighty God can do anything,

To bless his children, Christ’s siblings!

“From now on, yes, starting today,

My Spirit is with you; do not be afraid (2:5).”

In the past, we may have harbored some doubt,

Because we can’t see how God will work things out!

But please understand, God wants to bless,

Every new day, starting with Christmas!

God is watering, all our seed ((2:19),

With abundant blessings that far exceed,

Anything we could dream or ask,

Because He is pleased with our love and respect (Ps. 147:11).

***

Lord, You came to make everything new!

We claim this promise today from You,

That as the sun rises in the east,

New blessings for us are being released.

Lord, help us never hold on to the past,

But rather, be full of peace that lasts.

Smooth out the ruts or bumps in the way,

That would keep us from seeing Your blessings today.

As You feed the birds, the cattle, the fawn (Ps. 147:8-9),

We claim the promise to bless, from now on!

Thanks be to God!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Encouraged to Encourage! December 24, 2023

Zephaniah 3:17

There are many gifts this Christmas,

But none that encourage us,

Like what God says today:

“You will never again be afraid (Zeph. 3:15)!”

His encouragement is healing,

With tools for relationship building (147:3).

We’re encouraged to share these gifts,

With the power to uplift!

God’s plan is a map for us (Zeph. 3:5),

And every day, He encourages trust,

Directing all our ways,

Even giving us honor and praise (3:20)!.

***

Lord, thank you for the gift,

Of Your presence, the Holy Spirit!

You’ve come to make us complete,

So, we don’t live in fear and defeat.

You have exchanged our sins,

For encouragement, deep within.

Lord, help our lives to tell,

That with You, all is well.

Help us share, this year,

Encouragement, people need to hear!

Gifts of peace, love, and patience,

Acceptance, * joy, andforgiveness.

As we share these gifts from above,

You sing over us with love (Zeph. 3:17).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

Praise God No Matter What!  December 23, 2023

Habakkuk 3:17-18

There’s nothing more disturbing,

More hurtful or perturbing,

Then when the wicked prosper,

And steal from others (Hab. 1:13)!

God’s eyes can’t stand it either.

He is angry with deceivers,

And will comfort His people,

Bringing victory over evil (2:4).

Those who are right with God,

Will understand His love,

And continue to praise Him (3:17-18),

No matter the situation!!

***

Father, we will praise You,

In everything we go through.

In good times or trials (3:4),

You prove to be loyal (Ps. 146:6).

You are fair to us (146:7).

Because, Lord, we trust,

In You, and You alone (146:8),

Our Strength and Cornerstone.

You make us walk as deer,

Not stumbling while here (Hab. 3:15),

To climb the steepest mountains,

Refreshed at Your fountains.

Thus, our praise continue (3:18),

To forever, glorify You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Rightly Ask! December 22, 2023

Psalm 145:18

We all have times of deep despair,

And raise our hands in desperate prayer.

But do we plan, every day,

Time enough to rightly pray (Ps. 145:18)?

God bends down, intently listens,

To all the prayers of His children.

But we must show deep respect (145:19),

Understand and not to forget,

That God, in all His Sovereignty,

Will do what’s right for you and me.

He will bend to hear our cry,

And answer those who really try,

To pray each day, without a doubt,

That He is going to work things out!!

*** 

Precious Lord, teach us today,

How to pray the right way.

Burdens will not weigh us down,

When our prayers to You abound.

You hear us, Lord! No need to shout,

Yet, sometimes, we cannot help,

Harbor some concerns as we,

Lift our prayers, respectfully.

Lord, we also prayer for others,

Family, friends, colleagues, leaders,

To sense the power of Your Spirit,

And pray in ways that You will hear it.

Thank You, Lord, there’s not a task,

That You won’t do when rightly asked (Ps. 145:19)!” (translation mine)

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much


God Enjoys Being Kind, December 21, 2023

Micah 7:18

Look to the Lord and wait for Him (Micah 7:7)!

He takes care of His children (7:8).

The Lord is the light for His people,

Seated in the shadow of trouble.

Why? Because He enjoys being kind (Micah 7:18)!

Those who turn to Him will find (7:9),

That He defends us and reroutes,

The evil that wants to take us out!

All our walls will be rebuilt (7:11),

And we will see His miracles (7:15).

No other God enjoys being kind!

His love has no limit nor measure of time.

Our Make looks for ways to show (Ps. 145:8),

The great lengths that His kindness will go.

***

Father, help us learn to quickly cast,

All our burdens upon Your back!

You carry our heavy weights with ease,

When we declare spiritual bankruptcy! *

Your love is more than we can know, *

Full of mercy, intending to show,

That You are always with Your people!

“Emmanuel” is a miracle.

Lord, we wait for Your guidance and care,

And pray for greater gifts to share,

Your kindness, mercy, joy, and love,

Humbly obedient to You, Father God (Micah 6:8).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

We Share What We Do Know, December 20, 2023

Revelation 10:4

God tells John, “Don’t write this down!”

Some things are hidden from everyone (Rev. 10:4)!

Things that tell WHEN it will be,

For the world to end, completely (10:7).

We’re to ponder, deep within,

The things that are NOT hidden!

Some are holy, precious pearls,

That will be trampled, if revealed.

But we must share what should be told (10:7),

Like the prophesies of old,

And the birth of God’s own Son,

Our Messiah, the prophets said would come!!

***

Lord, thank You for Your peace,

And the Good News You’ve released!

No power on earth will override,

The second coming of Jesus Christ!

As at Your birth, some things will be hidden,

But all that is promised will surely happen (10:6-7).

Our great purpose is to go,

And share the Scriptures we DO know.

We won’t worry, doubt or fret,

About what we don’t know yet!

Thank You! You’ll take care of us,

As we wait in faith and trust.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Undeniably Happy! December 19, 2023

Psalm 144:15

We’ll sing unto You, Emmanuel!

And play instruments for you as well (Ps. 144:9).

To overflowing, we will be,

Undeniably… happy!

As Your children we can claim:

Happiness, not from wealth or fame,

But that God has reached into our hearts,

To cleanse and purify each part.

He casts our sins into the sea, *

Making us undeniably… happy (Ps. 144:15)!

***

Father, we glorify Your Name,

And praise You and forever remain,

Your happy servants with helping hands,

Because we have salvation.

Your ways and ours are not the same!

To be great means we must change,

And focus our work for You,

Not on what our hands can do!

Washed and saved by the blood of the lamb,

Our happiness comes from You, not man.

Lord, every day, Your blessings are new;

Undeniably happy, following You!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

Make Honor and Praise the Goal, December 17, 2023

Revelation 7:12

The holiday season’s hustles and bustles,

Can wear out our bodies, God’s fine temples!

All the fun things, like shopping and parties,

Remind us that we must set our priorities!

God will take us by the hand,

And giveus the strength to meet these demands (Ps. 143:10)!

When we’ve joy in our hearts and good attitudes,

We’re a blessing to God and others too!

By our singing with praise on our lips,

We become stronger through worship (Rev. 7:12).

Do not neglect to do this because,

“All honor and glory belong to our God!”

***

Father, we thank You for Your great plan,

Of worship to work like medicine,

Making us stronger with good attitudes.

Lord, our healing comes from You!

Help us to pace ourselves through this season,

So the rushdoesn’t distort the real reason,

We celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior,

Who is our glory and joy forever!

Hear our praises!  We make this our goal (7:17),

To honor You, precious Lord of all!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Thirsty for More!  December 16, 2023

Psalm 143:6

Who can hold the wind in His hand,

Or stop the rising waves on sand?

Who can gather the sea in His coat (Prov. 30:4)?

God, in whom we trust and hope!

Creator of earth, sky, and dreams,

Has no impossibilities

Profits of old heard Him say, “I,

Plant, water, and grow what seems dry (Amos 9:15).”

His power includes His loving kindness,

Repairing hearts, even burned bridges.

God goes beyond that which we can do,

To make dry land, ready to use (9:14).

***

Father, God, with hands lifted high (Ps. 143:6),

We praise You for sending rain when it’s dry!

No matter what we face today,

You are with us to show us the way.

As the clock ticks and time flies by,

At the right moment, You will provide,

Refreshing hydration for body and soul,

Because You can do what we can’t control!!

We imagine, saints cheering us on,

“A little while longer and the rain will come (Rev. 6:11).”

Thanks be to God! Your promises give,

Strength and hope each day that we live.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Prayers are Turned into Perfume, December 15, 2023

Revelation 5:8

Take the Words of God to heart.

Let them fuse and mend its breaks!

All our prayers are set apart,

As the smell that incense makes.

In golden bowls before the throne (Rev. 5:8),

Our prayers are part of heavenly worship.

They fill the air, like perfume,

And all of heaven adores it.

The daily prayers that we cry out (Ps. 142:2),

Are tangible—never lost,

Because, for God, we’ve been bought (Rev. 5:9),

By Christ’s own death on the cross.

No one cares, as He does (Ps. 142:4),

And to His prayers, He makes room,

For all the golden bowls above,

Where oursare turned into perfume.

***

Thank You, Lord, that we can sense (Ps. 142:1),

Your Spirit within when fear assails.

If we’ve done our very best,

Your promises will prevail.

Knowing, Lord, that we can come,

And pray all throughout the day,

Gives us strength not to succumb,

To doubts and fears along the way.

We expect Your miracles,

And thank You, Father, in advance.

As perfume for angels,

Our prayers do make a difference.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado * and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

Study for Yourself, December 13, 2023

Revelation 3:10

God’s peculiar, holypeople,

Will be pillars in His Temple (3:12).

Not the churches we have built,

With altars padded in soft silk,

But in the Temple of our God,

Forever in His Synagogue!

Some have turned away from Him,

By allowing evil in (3:3:2).

Wake up church! Be strong and tough!

Our current strength is not enough!

Don’t be like the ones deceived,

Who turn against what they’ve believed (3:3).

We must study for ourselves,

And obey the Truth, not lies from hell!

***

Father, we grasp Your Powerful Hand,

To guide us and understand,

That we must obey the Truth of Christ,

To reign with Him in the afterlife (3:11).

No one uses Truth or folly,

To open doorswithout Your knowledge (3:8).

You see evil, and we trust (3:8)!

That You will bring about justice (3:2)!

Let us not do less, but more,

To put our trust in You, Oh Lord (3:3)!

When we’re tempted to complain,

Help us wisely to refrain (Ps. 141:3),

Study the Truth and never waver,

From its power found in Scripture (Rev. 3:10).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

 

Free and Dearly Loved, December 11, 2023

Revelation 1:5

There’s a special love that rests,

And blossoms under stress.

This love helps buffer our struggles,

And lifts us out of trouble (Rev. 1:9).

God says that His people will be,

Forgiven, loved and free (Hosea 14:4).

He adds, “Have nothing to do (14:8),

With idols.” They don’t love you!

It is God Who answers our prayers.

It is He Who blesses and cares,

With a special love and purpose,

For the wise who understand this (14:9).

***

Lord, we are loved and blessed,

If we read Revelation’s message (Rev. 1:3).

But sometimes our unanswered questions,

Leave us in frustration.

We know we’re supposed to be priests (1:6),

So help us serve with joy and peace.

Because You shed Your blood (1:5),

We can experience freedom and love!!

Thank you! We’re exonerated,

Loved and not just tolerated! *

As part of Your family above,

We are free and dearly loved.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


No Room for Conflict, December 10, 2023

Jude 23

Strife doesn’t make our lives any better.

Complaining or blaming only hurts others (Jude 10).

When we have conflict, we open wide,

The door for the enemy to walk right inside!

The arch-angel Michael didn’t dare judge,

The devil himself but left him to God (9).

We must be careful not to cast blame (16),

But stay in God’s love, in Jesus Name (21).

***

Lord, search my heart to see (Ps. 139:23),

If any sin lurks inside of me!

Lead me today, and help me avoid,

Anger, or even being annoyed (Prov. 29:22)!

It’s by Your mercy that we are saved,

And You will judge everyone on judgment day (Jude 6).

Help us show mercy to those who have doubts (Jude 22),

And believe that You will work everything out.

Show us how to settle disputes,

And stop the growth of manipulative roots.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Who Do You Follow and Trust? December 9, 2023

3 John 11

The desire for power begins quite young,

And must be molded in everyone (3 Jn. 8).

Children are taught to submit to God,

Who formed them in the womb with love (Ps. 139:16).

His designs can be described (139:14),

As good and wonderful life-long designs.

It is important, also to note,

That we learn from those whom we follow (Jn. 3:9).

People who talk a lot but won’t listen,

Or speak evil about those commissioned (3:10),

Do not deserve our loyal trust.

If they criticize them, they will criticize us!

***

Father, Your Word is full of surprises!

You make it clear that evil arises,

To deceive Your children, so help us know (9-10),

Who is spiritually fit to follow!

Lord, we desire to walk in Your ways,

And live a life that gives You praise (Ps. 139:14).

We need Your Holy Spirit in us,

So we can discern who to follow and trust!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Speak Love, December 8, 2023

2 John 1:6

God commands us to live a life,

Of love, seeking His advice (Hosea 7:8),

Along with permission, otherwise,

He leaves us to our foolish pride (7:10).

How can we tell?  Is there a test,

To see if we’re “loving” our very best?

One way to find the answer is this,

Do we speak as a loving spirit?

***

Lord, help us love by choice, not chance,

So relationships are greatly enhanced (2 Jn. 5)!

If we withhold love from a neighbor,

We cannot expect Your help or favor!

Double minded people try,

To ride the fence and see both sides,

Instead of prayerful consideration,

Of seeking Your will, not coronations (Hos. 8:4).

Lord, Your Word says we could lose,

All we’ve worked for if we choose (2 Jn. 8),

To give a nod to those who follow,

Teachings other than Your gospel.

Give us discernment.  Help us become,

Followers of the only One (1:1),

Who can help us love as we should,

Speaking love, as YOU would.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Play Ball!  December 7, 2023

1 John 5:4

What do we do when the enemy scores?

Do we stay in faith or get discouraged?

Look for these opportunities,

To hope in the Lord, faithfully (Hosea 6:6).

The game isn’t over until the last call,

Our final breath, until then, play ball!

We’ve power now, when we trust the One, *

Who reminds us that we have already won (1 Jn. 5:4)!

***

Father, You’ve told us never to trust,

In flesh and blood to support us.

Our hope is in You and we love You, Lord,

Believing Your Word, to not keep score.

Instead, help us see any opposition,

As polish from You, not competition (Prov. 3:26).

You know each thought and what’s in the heart,

And the future before each day starts (Ps. 139:5).

Lord, we trust that You’ll keep us safe!

Even when the Satan picks up the pace (1 Jn. 5:18).

Our hope is as sure as the sun will rise (Hosea 6:3),

That we will live victorious lives (6:11).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *


 

Know God’s Love, December 5, 2023

1 John 3:1

God commands His children to love,

Knowing, we’ll need His help from above!

Our human hearts find it difficult,

To trust others who find fault (3:23)!*

Our own feeling come and go,

So we study God’s Word to know,

How to love and see the lost (3:21),

Through eyes of love, as Christ does.

All who exhibit the love of Christ,

Understand, it’s only right (3:10),

To share God’s love, patiently,

And this doesn’t happen naturally.

Only by God’s Spirit within,

Can we love the person, not the sin.

We can’t forget that we can trace,

Our own need for forgiveness and grace.

***

Father, we know the commandments and yet,

We fail to love because we forget,

That all have sinned!  We’re not any better!

All of us need grace from our Savior.

By Your Spirit within, we can,

Love others, which is Your plan.

It’s by the power of Your love,

That others are drawn to You, Father God.

Lord, where we’re weak in love make us strong,

With the love of Christ that overcomes,

Anything Satan tries to do,

To keep us from feeling loved by You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

The Light of Heaven, December 4, 2023

1 John 2:8

Saying, “I know God,” doesn’t,

Mean a thing without His covenants (1 Jn. 2:4).

They are liars. Truth is not in them (2:21)!

But those who obey, have the light of heaven (2:25).

There will always be some who refuse (Dan. 12:10),

And shun the light. This is something they choose!

But the gift of God, His Spirit and might (1 Jn. 2:24-27),

Will live in Believers and make them shine bright (2:28).

His presence within, overcomes any fear,

Or shame of BEING His light while here (2:29).

***

Lord, Your Word tells us, in the last days (2:19),

There will be many who wander away,

From the truth of the Word and Your Spirit within (2:20).

They will harden their hearts and not feel conviction.

But our hearts’ desire is to lift up Your Name,

So that when You return, we will not be ashamed (2:28).

Lord, break the bars of darkness and hate,

On chained and locked hearts, before it’s too late (Dan. 12:2).

Show them somehow, that heaven is real,

Likewise, hell—the final justice for evil. *

Lord, let us shine as Your brightest witnesses,

At home, at church and in our businesses.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado * and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

The Battles Are Raging, December 3, 2023

Daniel 10:19

God has ways to strengthen us,

To encourage, and defend us.

How can we possibly know?

God’s Word tells us so (Dan. 10:19)!

Daniel’s vision and example,

Sheds light on good and evil.

Battles raging, even now,

Are because of us, somehow.

We can better understand,

God’s love for us, His children (9:23; 10:11; 10:19),

Because, like Daniel, angels do,

Fight over me and you!

How can we lend support?

By standing up for the Lord (11:1)!

***

Father, thank You for revealing,

Help is sent when we start praying (9:23).

We support and stand with angels,

As we pray against the evil!

Lord, help us do what’s right,

And stand with angels in the fight (10:21).

Your love encourages us so,

And gives us strength to get up and go!

Give us courage not to flinch,

So evil does not gain an inch!

Lord, let the battles turn,

In favor of Your children.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God Wants All People to Change, December 2, 2023

2 Peter 3:9

The prophet Daniel understood (Dan. 8:17),

Evil leaders will fight against good (7:25).

In the last days, when the world ends,

It is important to know what will happen (2 Pet. 3:3).

Daniel contends that leaders will lie (Dan. 8:25),

And Peter says Christians will be criticized (3:4).

But God is being patient with them,

Because He’d rather all go to heaven (3:9).

***

Father, help us let go of our judgments.

For You alone decide punishments!

Peter writes that You’ll come again,

And in the meantime, we’re not to condemn.

For those who refuse to see the signs,

It will be like the blind leading the blind,

So help us more conscientiously pray,

That hearts will change before it’s too late (3:10)!

In the end every knee shall bow (Dan. 7:13),

And by all the signs, the end could be now!

Thank You Lord, for Your great love and patience,

And that You don’t want anyone to perish (2 Pet. 3:9).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Radiate For Christ This Christmas! December 1, 2023

2 Peter 2:19

This Christmas, be commissioned,

To honor Christ, more than tradition (2 Peter 2:19).

God says, we become a slave,

To things that cannot last or save!

Things that steal our time in life,

And lead us away from Christ (2:18)!

God says, It would be better,

If we’d never known the Savior (2:21)!

Don’t allow stress to the mind,

But stay in faith ALL the time.

Give God praise and thanks each day (Dan. 6:10),

Because we know the TRUTH, The Way.

Be creative in your giving,

This includes some form of witnessing!

Wrap a gift or Christmas bag,

With a scripture on the tag,

This Christmas, radiate,

The reason that we celebrate!!

***

Lord, Christmas time excites us!

But help us not to lose our focus. *

Busy program, shopping, glitter,

Can draw us away from our Savior.

Thank You Lord, Emmanuel,

Forevermore in flesh You dwell!

May we not be guilty of,

Bowing to the season’s gods.

May each program, party, feast,

Worship You, Lord, Prince of Peace.

Yes, indeed, we want to witness,

And Radiate for You this Christmas!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much*

More Faith, Like Them! November 30, 2023

Daniel 3:25

Do we have great confidence,

Faith, respect, and reverence,

Of God’s miracle-working power,

That can save us in the fire (Daniel 3:25)?

Trust the Lord!  He will appear,

In the flames of doubt and fear,

Hot enough to kill or maim (3:22),

Those not calling on His Name!

***

Lord, the three young men in Daniel,

Are such powerful examples (3:16)!

We can trust You to defend,

But we need more faith, like them!

Lord, we also ask You give (2 Pet. 1:5),

More knowledge as we grow and live.

Add more love, patience, kindness,

To make us more productive (1:8)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Knowing Our Limits, November 29, 2023

Daniel 2:47

When two or three, pray and agree (Dan. 1:18),

On what to ask, God hears the need,

Daniel’s friends prayed God would show,

And reveal the King’s dream, without being told.

This is a task, unprecedented,

Something no one else attempted (1:11)!

That night, God gave Daniel a vision,

About the dream and its interpretation (1:19).

As Daniel begins to explain to the king,

He gives God praise for sharing the dream.

Because God favors humility (1:9),

Lives are saved and Kings believe (1:29)!

***

Lord, we are reassured today,

That You answer prayer in miraculous ways!

Lord, we always want to be humble,

Knowing that pride will make us stumble.

We need Your favor without a doubt (1 Pet. 5:10),

And Your discernment is constant help!

Hear the prayers we humbly submit (5:6),

Trusting Your power, knowing our limits.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


November 28, 2023: TBA

Worship Should Change Us, November 27, 2023

Ezekiel 46:9

Ezekiel details the Temple’s plans,

From holy robes to the worker’s kitchens (Ezek. 46:24)!

Along with structures, there are rules to heed,

For all worshipers AND for those who lead.

For us today, it’s symbolic, no doubt (Ezek. 46:6),

These rules are about coming in and going out.

“Leave a different way.” This is God’s order (46:9),

Symbolizing changed hearts of worshipers!

***

Father, You said, You are the same,

Yesterday, today, forever, but WE must change!

Our worship has become so minimized.

Lord, forgive and help us change our lives!

You have great concern for the small and the great (Ps. 135:5),

Things in our lives, from kitchens to mates (1 Pet. 3:1-7)!

We long to please You on earth and in heaven (135:6),

With changed hearts after being in Your presence!

Help us whittle out more worship time,

Every day to change our hearts and minds.

With Your gentle spirit, help us not complain (Prov. 29:8),

But rather, encourage others to be changed (1 Peter 3:4)!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Because Now…  November 26, 2018

1 Peter 2:10

At one time, you were lost to evil,

But now, you are God’s Chosen people (1 Pet. 2:9)!

Part of His family, His own possession,

Into which He pours perfection.

God in us, helps us speak,

Good things, giving others a peek (2:12).

At life lived, as His anointed,

Growing in grace and not disappointed (2:6).

Foolish people will say foolish things (2:15),

But we speak of favor and God’s blessings.

Not fighting back, holy, acceptable (2:23),

Because now, we are God’s chosen people.

***

Lord, You suffered greater insults than we,

As You took our sins on Your own body (2:24).

You know the meaning of true sacrifice,

With stripes for our healing and eternal life.

Help us leave all revenge up to God,

And strive to live a life of love (2:21).

Lord, give us courage to stay in faith,

Patient in suffering, full of Your grace.

Once we were lost, but now, we are found (2:25),

Because now, we have Your love that abounds.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


His Holy People, November 25, 2023

1 Peter 1:2

We work much better when we are told,

Our purpose in life, defining our roles.

Our gifts, unique, are unlike another’s,

Complement our sisters’ and brothers’.

Storms and troubles can keep us from,

Holiness and purification (1 Pet. 1:7)!

But God says, troubles help to prove,

That holiness is too precious to lose (1:9)!

Trials become the stepping-stones,

Toward God’s saving grace alone.

Focus on faith, not circumstances,

Because it is faith that increases our chances,

And thrusts us closer to our goals,

Of Truth which purifies our souls (1:22).

***

Lord, our schedules are our own creation.

Help us always consider salvation (1:13),

Events that value Your purchase by blood,

That saved our souls and bestowed Your love.

Keep us from things that are useless in life,

Causing headaches, burdens, and strife (1:18).

Forgive us for letting our plans include,

Things of which You may not approve!

Help us choose what honors You,

Not doing what unbelievers do!

Lord, may the goals we set for today,

Be holy unto You, we pray (1:15),

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Troubled? Pray!  November 24, 2023

James 5:13

“Anyone having troubles should pray (James 5:13).”

Meditate on this verse today!

If God did not care about His creation,

He wouldn’t tell us to pray to Him!

Prayer reminds us of God’s position,

Absolute power without limitations!*

Memorize promises in His Word,

Quote them in prayer and believe You’ve been heard (5:15).

This is faith, hope and trust,

And just like Job, we will see God’s purpose (5:11).

***

Father, You clearly indicate,

That we should pray and not hesitate,

To trust that You hear our pleas,

And want to help us with our needs.

Forgive us when we’re lacking patience (5:8),

And fail to see Your greater purpose (5:11).

After Job suffered and prayed for his friends,

You blessed his life, twice as much, again.

Praying for others, as well as our needs,

Lifts us out of our own poverty.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Benefits of Taking a Stand! November 23, 2023

James 4:7

Believers! What do you do with your hours?

Time with the Lord brings strength and power (James 4:8).

Scripture makes our devotion clear,

If we come to Him, He will draw near.

We’ll face angry people, a jealous scrimmage,

If we’re transformed into Christ’s image.

Satan will go to any length,

To destroy our witness, our joy, and strength.

But drawing close to the Lord each day,

Builds spirit muscles and strength in a way,

That nothing else can. So, standing against,

The devil himself will stop his attempts (4:7).

***

Father, help us daily to find,

Space for a moment of devotional time.

The enemy plots, plans and deploys,

Those in his ranks, to steal this joy.

In the Name of Jesus, Satan must run (4:7),

Because of the power we have in Your Son!

Lord, transform us into people of honor (5:4),

Your very own, with strength and power.

Lord, You are against the proud (James 4:6),

Who come against the meek and mild.

Help us to take a stand today,

To keep the accuser far away.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Be Controlled by Wisdom! November 22, 2023

James 3:17

There must be a simple formula,

To ensure that we are spiritual.

But by ourselves, we haven’t the tools,

To keep us from letting our emotion rule!

When we get angry, we quickly release,

Hurtful thoughts with tongues unleashed.

The state of our hearts, our emotions,

Must be given to God to control them (James 4:7)!

He promises wisdom that’s nice, indeed,

Making us gentle and easy to please (James 3:17.

God’s spirit within controls our emotions,

By giving us His mind of wisdom.

His spirit guides us to do the right things,

And wisely control our emotional strings.

***

Jesus, help us be so controlled,

By Your spirit’s wisdom to hold,

The reigns to our emotions that tend,

To inflict wounds that are hard to mend.

Your promises stand out on each page (Ezek. 36:30),

Of Your Word, to ensure, always,

Our hope, peace, and joy that comes (James 3:17),

When wisdom controls our emotions (Ps. 131:2).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

 

After the Wait, November 21, 2023

Psalm 130:5 & 6

Wait on the Lord and expect, today (Ps. 130:5),

That His promises are on the way!

Watch as a watchman looks for the dawn (130:6),

For His answers that will surely come.

Those who are stubborn after being corrected,

Will find their goals adversely affected.

When people believe God overlooks evil,

They disregard warnings from His people!

Our God is known for mercy and Justice,

But He hates evil enough to punish (34:12).

God IS love as well as forgiving,

Rewarding His children, watching and waiting,

Believers know God never forsakes (Ezek. 34:26),

And blessings come, after the wait.

***

Lord, as Your watchmen, we’re to be warning,

Blowing the trumpet when evil is coming (33:7).

You are the judge between goats and sheep (34:22),

And know the hearts of the poor and weak.

Father, we expect You alone (Ps. 130:7),

Bring showers of blessings with each new dawn.

You love to help those who believe,

Who seek and trust You daily.

By praying and doing what we can (James 2:24),

As we wait for You to move Your hand,

We gratefully anticipate,

Your answers will come, after the wait!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Make This A Better Day, November 20, 2023

James 1:5 & 19

No day is perfect, that’s a given!

Believing this helps jumpstart wisdom.

Put frustration to the side,

And patience will become your guide (James 1:4).

Make forgiveness your endeavor,

And the journey will be better.

Going further? Look ahead!

Do not doubt, but trust instead,

For God to tell you the best way (1:19),

In making this a better day!

***

Father, we know that problems come,

As part of life, we ALL have some! *

You said, if we ask for wisdom,

You will give it, without criticism (1:5).

Help us, and help others who,   

Need a much better day too.

Create in us Your holiness,

And a humble spirit to daily ask:

“Give us wisdom, lest we waver,

From Your grace, with bad behavior!”

Lord, it’s You we daily seek,

To help make our lives complete (1:4).

As we trust You more and more,

Each day is better than before.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Identify With Them, November 19, 2023

Hebrews 13:3

It’s not enough to smile and say,

“Hello!”  “How are you today?”

The Christian asks questions more like this:

“How are you doing in spirit?”

God is pleased when we dive,

Empathetically into lives!

Walk along with colleagues, leaders (Heb. 13:1),

Instead of treating them like strangers (13:2 & 17).

Remember those who are in prison,

As if you are in there with them (13:3).

Likewise, people suffering,

Need the kind of comforting,

Stemming from a life who’s been,

Through similar situations!

***

Lord, we’re often sympathetic,

But make us more empathetic.

Seeing another’s heavy chaos,

And helping to carry their cross,

As if, it is suffering coming our way!

Father, help us better pray (13:20),

And have the empathy of Christ,

Making intercession a way of life!

Lord, we are never abandoned (13:5)!

Give more strength, so we can strengthen,

Those around who need a hand,

By identifying with them.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scriptures in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

More Grace, Please, November 18, 2023

Hebrews 12:15

What does grace look like?

Think about its features…

It doesn’t fuss and fight,

And it’s sure a promise keeper (Heb. 12:15)!

It never runs to tattle,

Nor sulks like a baby.

Instead, it’s always thankful,

Saying, “yes” more than, “maybe.”

Grace overlooks,

The wrongs that others do,

Knowing, God’s book,

Might list their names too (12:22)!

***

Jesus, You accepted shame,

As if it were nothing (12:2),

Because You knew the joy You’d claim,

At the end of all Your suffering.

Likewise, help us not forget,

That You have perfect timing.

Your grace is sufficient,

So we should not stop trying (12:3).

Keep us on the right path (12:13),

Lord, we don’t want to stumble,

Because we know You certainly have,

Ways to keep us humble!

Help all those with whom we rub,

Elbows every day,

See Your grace from above,

Through us in every way.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Greed Vs. Trust, November 17, 2023

Proverbs 28:25

Narcissism has become quite normal,

But this type of “greed” causes trouble (Prov. 28:25).

School/sports schedules that do not include,

God are replaced by “selfies” in youth!

Greed for adventure, lust, and attention,

Are over the top!  No need to mention,

That divorce rates as well as delinquency,

Are higher than ever, all due to greed.

How can we stop greed’s obsessions?

By trusting the Lord for success and position.

We don’t have to turn the camera on us,

When we learn to respect and trust (Ps. 28:1),

That God brings the favor and all good things!

Greed cannot match trusting God for our blessings (28:2).

***

Father, the world says, “Make your own plans!”

But we lay ours at Your feet in submission.

Tenderize consciences, seared or tough,

And point out any greed or selfishness in us.

Lord, You have said, “Happy are those (Ps. 28:1),

Who respect, obey, and trust in the Lord.”

Thank You that we can be sure of success,

When we not only seek You, but accept,

Your will in our lives, while spotlighting others,

Adds stars in our crowns and turns away scoffers.

You have promised, blessings and favor,

To those who make You their Lord and Savior (28:2).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Uses Our Faith, November 16, 2023

Hebrews 11:6

Most of us forget God’s allowance,

Of faith, until we get off-balance!

God says, we need not strive (Ps. 127:2),

Because He rewards us while yet live.

Those who truly want to find Him (Heb. 11:6),

Must also believe that He is behind them,

Making good things come our way,

When we seek Him and obey.

***

Lord, help us see the difference,

Of what is worthwhile and what isn’t (Ps. 127:1)!

Life gives few gratuities,

While piling on negativity!

But thank You, Lord, You reward,

By healing the sick and helping the poor.

Make us rich in faith, so giving,

Produces abundance—overflowing;

Because we seek You diligently (Heb. 11:6),

We believe You’ll reward us, accordingly.

By faith, we blossom, bloom, and grow,

Trusting all things are possible.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Solid Ground, November 14, 2023

Psalm 125:2

When we in trust God, He surrounds,

And places us on solid ground (Ps. 125:2)!

He is like a wall too high to cross,

That protects us from the fear of loss.

We are poor and weak in strife (125:4);

Our strength lies in His sacrifice.

He conquers fear with His love (125:5).

And showers down peace from above,

For all who choose to follow Him,

To the solid ground of Zion (125:1).

Pray and plan, expect Him to,

Support the ground supporting you!

***

Father, God, You never change!

You sure us up, by Your Name (20:9).

We praise Your Name, in full view,

Of unbelievers watching what we do.

Lord, help us not forget,

You will fulfill Your purpose (Heb. 10:6).

Lord, with intentional today,

We’ll share that Christ is the way,

To peace and joy being restored,

As the firm foundation of the Lord.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Our Help Comes From the Lord, November 13, 2023

Psalm 124:8

If the Lord had not been on our side,

We would not still be alive (Ps. 125:1-3),

Because those who do not follow God (Ezek. 17:7),

Return jealous hate for love.

God says they’ll be hungry, weak,

No purpose, just wayward sheep (17:14)!

Nothing’s by chance, no coin toss,

God gives more grace for any loss (17:24).

Those who acknowledge, He is just,

Will find rewards for their trust (Ps. 125:7).

Yes!  God will be our helper (125:8),

When faithful to His order (Ezek. 18:9).

***

Thank You Lord, our lives are complete.

When we daily kneel at Your feet.

We thank You for the blessed results (18:20):

A life that’s free from guilty faults (Heb. 9:13).

Don’t let us be as those who judge,

And carry a never-ending grudge (Ezek. 18:22).

We praise You! We’re not torn asunder (Ps. 124:6),

Because we submit to one another.

We practice this by keeping You first,

The Lord Who made heaven and earth (124:8).

This one thing that we know for sure,

Our help comes from the Lord!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Accountability, November 12, 2023

Hebrews 8:10

God gives His love to me and you,

But expects accountability too!

He likens our love to the coming of age,

Understanding is an important stage (Ezek. 16:63).

This awakening is developmental,

And for every soul—fundamental.

Rightly relating to our Heavenly Father,

Keeps us accountable to each other!

God gives us His Holy Spirit,

And His love, as what we’ll inherit (Heb. 8:10).

Accountability is when we regret,

Our sins and humble ourselves to confess (8:12).

This stage is the point of true belief,

Forgiveness, WITH accountability.

***

Father, we know we are loved from the start,

Because Your teachings are in our hearts (8:10).

But when we became of age, we knew,

We needed to be forgiven by You.

Nothing dastardly in our confessions,

But we know we’ve a need to be forgiven.

Who can cleanse and fill us with love?

Only You, our Lord above.

Thank you for loving us, unconditionally,

Yet, we must have accountability.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Work Your Land for Overflow, November 11, 2023

Proverbs 28:19

God says some will build weak walls (Ezek. 13:9),

To cover their sin… but they’ll crumble and fall!

No matter the layers of whitewash applied,

There is still the rot inside (13:13).

Wind and rain, stampeding hail,

Will make them, someday, collapse and fail (13:14).

The builders, any suppliers who gave,

The whitewash and polish will likewise, cave (13:15).

But plenty is promised to all of those,

Who rightly work for overflow (13:22-23)!

***

Father, be part of all that we do!

We trust Your Word as our basis of Truth,

That protects us from those who spin the lies,

Encouraging us to whitewash and hide,

Their sins. Lord, help us discern deceivers,

And work our land as Christian believers (Prov. 28:19)!

Help us chase only chase dreams from above,

With resources from You, Almighty God.

We praise You because what You say will come true,

And our overflow will be given by You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Oaths Are God’s Goals, November 10, 2023

Hebrews 6:18

God gives oaths that He expects,

To carry out… nothing less!

Do not succumb to laziness (Heb. 6:12).

Wait for His answers with patience.

Abraham had to wait.

Yes, patience partners without faith!

God will surely bless us when,

We wait expectantly on Him!

God’s purposes never change (6:17).

He cannot lie! His oaths remain (6:18),

Better than a contract signed,

So, what He says, He’ll do on time.

***

Thanks be to God!  You never change!

We can trust oaths in Your Name.

Help us Lord, to stay in faith,

During times as we wait!

Likewise, laziness won’t do,

Nor will it prompt an oath from You!

Encourage us with daily steps,

To reach our goals with success!

Come, complete the work You start,

While growing faith in our hearts.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Blessed With Rest! November 8, 2023

Hebrews 4:1

God demands an explanation (Ezekiel 7:17-18),

If we keep our faith well-hidden.

People who deceive the poor (Prov. 28:15),

Will not find rest from God, for sure!

The only rest, tried and true,

Is the rest God gives me and you (Ps. 120:1)!

Liars, cheats, murderers, fakes,

Do the things God says He hates (Ezek. 7:3)!

But true Believer can enter His rest,

By believing all His promises (Heb. 3:1).

***

Father, we see a heap of trouble (Ps. 120:1),

And the world is in constant turmoil.

As the Psalmist puts it, Lord,

“You will punish with sharp arrows (120:4)”

But Abba, Father, remember this,

We believe in Your promised rest!

Oh, how we need this rest in You!

Father, come and do what You do,

By making things good, so unexplained,

Except to credit Your Holy Name.

Lord, we need a miracle!

Against the works of the devil.

We’ve lived too long with people who seem (Ps. 120:6),

Set in their ways, stubborn, and mean!

As we live on earth, please bless,

And let us enter into Your rest (Heb. 4:2).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Keep Hope Alive!  November 7, 2023

Hebrews 3:6

God says throughout the Bible,

That we will be held accountable (Ezek. 6:10).

“You will remember God above (Ezek. 6:9),

And how I was hurt when You turned from my love.”

Oh, be careful, not to stray,

By worshipping idols of today.

Anything can be an idol if,

It keeps us true worship.

It is our duty to recognize,

Ways in which to keep hope alive (Heb. 3:6)!

***

Father, we get into trouble and fall,

With worry, when You aren’t worried at all!

Remember Your promise to save (Psalm 119:170),

When we stay faithful to Your ways (Ps. 119:173).

Help us be steady and confident,

In the fairness of Your judgment (119:174).

Bless us so hope is maintained,

As we trust the power of Your Name.

Bless us also to be a blessing,

And lead by example, always expecting (Prov. 28:14),

That You will work for good, because (Ps. 119:170),

Our hope is in You, Father God (Heb. 3:6).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Dig, Find, and Eat Sweetness, November 6, 2023

Ezekiel 3:3

Don’t be burdened with fear of death (Heb. 2:15),

Go dig and find God’s sweetness (Ez. 3:3)!

Persist, pursue, meditate, pause,

Until You have sweet freedom from God.

Those who love His teachings find (119:165),

Happiness and peace of mind (119:168).

Praise gives us more strength and patience,

To dig until we strike resilience.

So, stop, seven times a day (119:164),

To honor God with sweetest praise.

***

Father, things can always be worse!

Thank You that we are blessed, not cursed (119:165).

Help us keep on digging, ‘til,

Our shovel “pings” upon Your will.

Give us, Lord, a promise each day,

That fills our hearts with hope and praise.

Lord, we know Your treasures lie,

Unseen to the naked eye,

So make us determined to dig deep,

Into Your Word, satisfyingly sweet (Ez. 3:3).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Far From Being Saved, November 5, 2023

Psalm 119:155

God is not a bit surprised,

That humans so easily compromise,

Believing lies false prophets tell,

Like, “God would not send anyone to hell!”

Angels have His children surrounded (Heb. 1:14),

God says, “… stand up (Ez. 2:1)!” Don’t be confounded (2:6)!

He puts us where we need to be,

And reminds: “They’ve (really) turned against Me (2:5).”

We may not know if others will listen,

Until we walk through the gates of heaven.

Some of these people, obviously,

Acts as like thorns for you and me (2:6),

God will make all these things known (2:8),

When we gather ‘round His throne.

***

Lord, Your Word says You send,

The angels, to help Your children (Hebrews 1:14).

When evil attacks or threatens,

Let us sense Your protection.

Thank You for Your Word that gives,

Wisdom to make us fearless (Ez. 2:3).

When we feel uncomfortable,

We trust that You are in control.

Help us stand for what is right,

And speak Your Words so people might (Ez. 2:7),

Listen, and not turn away (Ps. 119:155),

From the only Name that saves.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


We Want to Pass It On, November 4, 2023

Philemon 14

The Lord’s love never stops,

And His mercies never end (Lam 3:22).

They are new, EVERY morning,

If we’ll just get up and look for them!

One simple phrase or Word,

Can strike a chord within,

As if somehow, we’ve heard,

Angelic violins!

God’s joy spurs us on,

With love, but we must choose it.

And as we pass it on,

It’s because we WANT to do it (Lam. 3:57).

***

Lord, we understand,

That the key to great success,

Is to work quietly (3:25-26),

And choose righteousness.

You’ve promised to be good,

To those who hope in You.

You see and judge our cause (3:59-60),

With great sensitivity too.

You want to meet our needs,

Because we are but flesh,

And You understand,

The times when we digress (3:17).

The good we do for You (Titus 14),

Is not because we’re forced,

But because, we WANT to,

Out of our love for the Lord!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God’s Good Use, November 3, 2023 (rewrite of 2018)

Titus 3:14

Annoyance, unhappiness, unexplained?

Envious of what others have gained?

It seems much more when we compare,

But wait just a minute… why do we care?

It’s better to sleep with a conscience intact,

Not allowing those thoughts to distract,

And blur our vision of God’s plan for us,

For HIS good use, and HIS good purpose (Titus 3:14).

Keep daily checks on Satan’s tools,

Like jealousy, making us look like fools (Titus 3:3).

Envy grates on the souls of the zealous,

And makes them stubborn, even rebellious (Prov. 28:9)!

We need constant reminders to choose (Titus 3:1),

Doing what’s right for God’s good use.

***

Lord, don’t allow sin to get in the way,

Of having our prayers answered today.

You said when we leave the truth we’ve been taught,

Our prayers and desires will come to naught (Prov. 28:9).

Politics, history, family traditions (Titus 3:9),

Are not going to get us into heaven!

But rather, Lord, it’s when we agree (3:2),

To speak no evil and live in peace.

Jealousy will withhold what’s good,

And keep from doing the things we should (Titus 3:7)!

But Lord, everlasting life is released,

When we seek opportunities,

To help, to house, to give of our lives,

For YOUR Good use, without compromise.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Favor With God, November 2, 2023

Jeremiah 52:32

God shows favor to His children,

Like providing for our freedom (Jer. 52:31).

After God’s people were taken as slaves,

Their Kings were thrown in a prison grave.

One King, tortured, died in his cell,

But the other was released and treated well (52:32)!

The difference? God’s favor is directed,

To those who trust His promises.

Scriptures we memorize, pray and trust,

Will work out God’s favor for us.

***

Lord, so many examples in Scripture,

Show how You pour out Your love and favor,

On those who turn from their wicked ways,

And look to You for favor each day (Ps. 119: 13)!

Jabez asked You to bless him, indeed!

This simple prayer, prayed emphatically,

Is all good, but we must obey,

And please You instead of wanting our way (119:135-136).

Thank You for favor’s great rewards,

Of peace we never could afford,

But comes from faith in Your great love (Titus 2:2);

Knowing, all favor, comes from God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers That Avail Much *

He’s Got Us and He Won’t Let Go, November 1, 2023

Psalm 119:126

Some days when we don’t feel God’s grasp,

We look up, cry to Him, and ask,

“Lord, we’ve done what’s fair and right (Ps. 119:121),

When are we going to see some light?”

God reveals that certainly,

Some will suffer, innocently (Jer. 49:12).

Perhaps we share the very same cup,

Of others whose punishment isn’t up!

When sickened by the tossing sea (49:23),

Remind the Lord, “Show Your love to me” (Ps. 119:124)!

Look to Him and not to man,

For peace that says, “Oh, yes, I can (Jer. 50:6B),”

We Rise above this world’s abuses,

And all the weapons the enemy uses,

To understand God’s hesitation,

Does not lessen His control of situations (50:34).

***

Father, forgive us for any doubt,

That You aren’t working everything out!

For our own good, and to give Your praise,

We’re ready for You to come and save (Ps. 119:123)!!

Grant us peace to overcome,

The stress of tough situations.

Don’t let Satan’s seeds of doubt,

Take root and push faith out!

With deep respect, we remind (Ps. 119:128),

And trust You… but we think it’s time,

For You to come and let us know (119:125),

You’ve got us and You won’t let go!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Absolute Peace and Rest, October 31, 2018

Psalm 119:116

Our support is promised by God (Ps. 119:116),

When we follow His law and love (119:120).

Those who do not respect His demands (119:118),

Let their own lies mislead them!

God is righteous, fair, and just,

And those who trust Him certainly must,

Can absolute peace, and rest,

Because God keeps His promises (2 Tim. 4:18).

***

Lord, You love it when we trust,

And hope that You will do for us,

More than we can think or ask,

So we are not embarrassed (Ps. 119:116).

Papa, Daddy, Father God,

Let Your peace flow from above,

As part of the creativity (Ps. 119:114),

And spiritual gifts, super-naturally!

Thank you, Lord for reminding us,

Throughout Your Word that hope IS trust.

We can do ALL things through Christ,

With absolute peace and rest in life.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

All We Need To Know, October 30, 2023 (reprint from 2018)

Psalm 119:105

Paul paints a picture that’s not very kind,

For the children of God, in the end times.

Anyone sticking to scriptural truth,

Is bound to suffer some form of abuse (2 Tim. 3:12).

Our goal is to love with patience and faith (4:2),

And to keep a smile upon our face.

Those who deceive, steal and cheat,

Will not listen to the truth we teach (4:3).

But if we are faithful to what we have learned,

God will light our path to discern (Ps. 119:105),

What we should do and where we should go (2 Tim. 4:5),

Giving us all that we need to know (4:6).

***

Lord, my life is wonderfully planned,

By Your omnipotent and loving hand.

I will not fear what evil can do (Jer. 46:27),

But trust Your hedge won’t let it get through (2 Tim. 3:5).

Lord, You said the wicked are ruined (3:8),

Because they have left the truth to consume,

The teachings of men who give permission,

For them to continue their abominations.

Thank You for promising to complete,

Every good work, with all that I need (3:17).

Lord, let it be easy for me,

To see Your Word as a lamp for my feet (Ps. 119:105),

And to lean in closer when doubt starts to show.

Because You will tell me all I need to know.*
*Max Lucado's devotional

Let God Change Them, October 29, 2023

2 Timothy 2:25

Paul is about to lose his head,

But he’s writing to Timothy, instead!

He’s telling his younger brother in faith,

To remain strong and full of grace (2 Tim. 2:1).

He says to find some trustworthy people,

And teach them how to overcome evil (2:2).

Paul understands that it must be God,

Who changes minds to accept His love.

“The Lord will give you the understanding (2:7).

And by His Spirit, comprehending,

How to not argue over words (2:14),

But to stay calm and undisturbed (2:24-25).”

Maybe the Lord will change minds for us (2:26).

But if He doesn’t, we must trust,

That what others do, think, or say,

Is His business to change, in His time and way!

***

Father, You tell us to go and teach others,

But people do not trust one another!

We should share in evangelism,

It’s not a choice or a decision!

You’ve said that ALL who make themselves clean (2:21),

Will be used by You for special means,

And added to this, You’ve promised we’ll share,

A kindred spirit with those who care!!

Lord, there are fakes a dime a dozen,

So, help us discover those genuine.

People who will listen, though hard to find,

Will submit to Your Spirit to change their minds.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Replace Fear with Mountains of Faith, October 28, 2023

2 Timothy 1:7

Waiting ten days for an answer to come,

Would cause anxiety for anyone (Jer. 42:7)!

People of old with no scriptures to read,

Asked the prophets to pray for their needs,

But, when we commit to obey the Lord,

We can seek answers ourselves in His Word (42:10).

Everything and anything we need for each day.

Will come to believers who trust and obey (42:11-12);

God wants to replace our fear with faith,

With complete assurance… He makes no mistakes!

***

Father, we shouldn’t have any fear (2 Tim. 1:7)!

While trusting You to help us here.

The hardest thing we must endure,

Is patiently waiting for You, oh Lord!

We seek and recite Your promises,

To turn our fears into faith and trust.

Though we would never question You,

We need Your peace to continue to do (1:6),

That to which we’ve been called, by grace,

By replacing any fear with mountains of faith!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Share the Truth About Faith!  October 27, 2023

Jeremiah 40:4

God doesn’t hold us back with chains!

He gives us free will to leave or remain (Jer. 40:4).

When we grab hold of our salvation,

We still have choices within our salvation.

There will always be those who mistrust (1 Tim. 6:4),

Chained, unsatisfied, and jealous.

Their pride and infidelity,

Bind them to unsatisfied greed!

They miss the freedom of serving God,

With patience, kindness, humility, and love (6:11).

But we know for sure our eternity (6:12),

Starts with freedom to go where we please (Jer. 40:4)!

***

Lord, thank You for helping us be,

Satisfied, knowing that we are free (6:8)!

Free from needing so many things,

That can weigh us down, like heavy chains.

All those weights and shackles of sin,

Are gone the moment we confess them!

Lord, forgive us when we don’t trust,

That You have completely freed us (Jer. 40:5)!

Let us be Your examples of grace (2 Tim. 6:21),

Free to share these truths about faith.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Heavenly Interest, October 26, 2023

1 Timothy 5:25

Our right hand shouldn’t tell the left,

When doing good to get heaven’s interest!

All our giving, when done in love,

Returns with blessings from above.

When good deeds go unspoken,

They are accounted for in heaven (Jer. 38:16).

In our hearts we know what’s right,

And good deeds hidden from plain sight,

Are viewed by saints and angel hosts,

While hidden here or gone unnoticed.

Heavenly interest is higher than,

Interest rates known by man.

We can rest assured of this,

Good deeds gain the greatest interest.

***

Lord, our highest calculations,

Can’t conceive our accounts in heaven!

We don’t report it, but You see,

And add the interest, exponentially (1 Tim. 5:25).

We just have to keep it simple,

And trust You’ll make it more than equal.

Thank You, Lord, that from above,

Your Spirit also adds the love (Ps. 119:76),

To season everything we do,

So that if others see it they will glorify You!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Be Sure to Teach, October 25, 2023

1 Timothy 4:14

In the days of Jeremiah, we see,

Those people regarded his prophesies (Jer. 36:8).

Many could not read for themselves,

So, they had to be taught by somebody else.

Now, most can read, write, and erase.

We text more than we talk face to face.

It’s good that we can edit our errors,

And read for ourselves, but we still need teachers.

Stir up your gifts, seek the truth and be real!

Teaching others doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel,

But just mentor them in God’s Truth and Light,

So the next generation can know Jesus Christ.

 

***

Father, thank you for the progress we’ve made,

While living in this modern age.

We are so blessed, beyond other nations.

We’ve great resources and witty inventions.

You said, in the last days we will see,

People who leave the Truth to believe,

Teachings from those whose consciences,

Are seared, erased, and spiritually dead (4:1-2).

Lord, help us study and not become lazy,

Trusting the words of someone who’s crazy!

Keep us humble, Lord, and strong to endure,

With good teachers, those who mentor,

Sharing the Truth, the right things to do (4:14-16),

And help us, Lord, to be good teachers too.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Thankfully Follow, October 24, 2023

Psalm 119:57

God wants our happiness, safety, good health (Jer. 33:6),

Forgiveness of sins and spiritual wealth (33:8)!!

He loves to surprise His daughters and sons (33:9),

With more good things than we can count.

He’s a kind Father to all His children,

Gracious and generous with His provision.

But with His amenities there are demands,

To follow His order and His commands (Ps. 119:56).

***

Father, sometimes it is hard to believe,

That in giving, we receive,

Much more than we dare to ask (33:9),

Along with peace and happiness!

It is Your will and good pleasure,

To give us much more of whatever,

We need to follow Your orders for us.

You even supply more grace to trust!

When we’re obedient, You are pleased.

You’d rather us not live in poverty,

But then, what kindly Father would,

Not provide if He could?

We thank You for the amenities,

Of trusting You, completely.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Your Mind Is Showing, October 23, 2023

Jeremiah 31:33

Your mind is showing when you react,

To small annoyances with little tact!

Your mind is showing when you frown,

Turn away, or start looking down.

Your mind is showing when you neglect,

To speak words of encouragement.

 Your eyes become like picture windows,

Through which your mind can’t help but show!

Is there any faith or trust?

Your mind is showing---it will come out (Jer. 31:33)!

***

Father, fill our minds to show,

Your Holy Spirit’s light aglow (1 Tim. 2:3).

Our eyes convey thoughts in our minds,

Without a word, all the time.

May we reflect, as water does,

That which is the true nature of God,

Let all things good, noble, and just,

Shine transparently, right though us.

Lord, if we doubt Your promises,

Our minds are going to project mistrust,

Not just in You, but in others as well,

And this comes from the pit of hell.

Make us good teachers who understand,

With Your mind, so that we can,

Be the witnesses that project,

Jesus Christ’s love and respect (2:2).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Believe It!  October 22, 2023

Jeremiah 29:11

God, the giver of all things good,

Right now, has already planned for us,

All that we need to move forward and build,

A future of hope, faith, and trust (Jer. 29:11).

We must not allow any doubt,

To enter in and change our minds (Prov. 27:19).

Believe it!  God’s going to work things out,

So, sing His praises all the time (Jer. 31:7)!

Honor, blessing, acceptance, and joy,

Are all part of our inheritance (Jer. 30:19).

God will double what’s been destroyed,

And bring about true happiness (31:13).

***

Lord, we trust what You have said,

And thank You for so many good things (29:11).

Your Spirit can take the lives we’ve led,

And use us in all the years that remain.

Father, we see hard hearts and minds,

Who do not want to follow Your ways (Ps. 119:47).

Nevertheless, we know we will find (Jer. 29:13),

The faith, and love to share Your grace (1 Tim. 1:14).

Anything stolen, destroyed, or abused,

Lord, give us back all that which we need,

And cause good things, dreams to come true (Jer. 29:7),

Which always deepens our faith, indeed.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Ignite the Passion, October 21, 2023 (reprint from 2018)

Jeremiah 27:5

God says, “I made the land and the sea.

I can give it to whomever I please” (Jer. 27:5)!

God understands that for us to fulfill,

Our purpose in life---to do HIS will,

We need lots of passion, whatever our call,

To protect us from evil and finish it all (2 Thess. 3:1-3).

It’s only natural to be afraid,

But when God calls us, He’ll make a way!

Stretching our faith to greater lengths,

Ignites our passion, which becomes our strength,

***

Father, thank You for the passion You give,

To seek Your will every day that we live.

We are Your witnesses, showing You care,

By making Your “yoke” easy to bear.

Lord, let Your passion fill our souls,

Making the vision indeed, possible (3:2).

Ignoring Your voice deep down inside.

Causes people to believe in lies.

Help us keep doing all that we should (3:13),

Working to pay our way, doing good (3:9),

And craving Your Spirit, seeking Your presence,

Your favor that stokes and ignites our passion.

Lord, passion plays such a big role,

In making all things possible.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Know Who to Trust… Who is “Iron!” October 20, 2023

Proverbs 27:17

God holds tomorrow and He has confided,

That the Evil One’s fate is already decided (2 Thess. 2:3).

There will be those who ignore any proof,

And believe in lies, instead of the truth (2:11 & 12).

The Holy Spirit, by living through us,

Speaks within, so we’ll know who to trust (2:15).

We must stand strong and keep moving forward,

Trusting God’s promises in His Word.

***

Father, thank You for Paul’s example,

Of staying in faith and hope while in trouble (2:16-17).

Jeremiah tells us of Your demands,

Not to worship the work of our hands (Jer. 25:7).

When we take time to worship each day,

We look for Your wisdom, and humbly pray,

For more faith, confidence, and peace of mind,

That we’re in the right place, at the right time.

May we discern when iron sharpens iron (Prov. 27:17),

That it’s necessary, and good, not causing harm,

But to encourage. Lord, no matter (2 Thess. 2:17)!

Help us know who is “iron” to make us sharper than ever (Prov. 27:17)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado.

 

Pray This Way, October 19, 2023

2 Thessalonians 1:11

When stressed and oppressed, we should pray (2 Thess. 1:6),

“Help us remember to live by faith (1:11).”

 Prophets of old prayed words of wrath,

Vengeance, disgrace, dishonor, and death (Jer. 23:39).

But Paul reminds us to glorify,

And pray for what pleases the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:11).

By the grace and power of God we can do,

All the good things He has called us to (1:12);

Things that change evil hearts to praise (Jer. 24:2),

And glorify God. Yes, for this we should pray!

***

Father, sometimes we’re stumped when we pray,

So, we look for examples that show us the way.

Should we pray for destruction and loss,

Or like Paul, who reminds us of grace at the cross (1:12)?

We pray, Lord, with hope, for those who, indeed,

Have no fruit, but lots of greed (Jer. 23:32)!

When praying like this, we surrender to You,

Because You are fair in all that You do.

We pray You’ll bless others to praise,

And to have more faith, seeking You each day!

Lord, we pray You’ll brightly shine through,

So that others will look at us and see You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

The Best Love of All Time, October 18, 2018

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Trust God to help you see,

That love is His priority.

His Word describes the pros and cons,

Of choosing to rely upon (Jer. 22:21), *

A God who doesn’t force His love,

But hopes we love Him just because,

He loves us, heart, soul, and mind,

And longs for love returned in kind.

His love is greater than others in life,

Parents, children, husband, wife,

Those with whom we cannot part!

So, love Him first in mind and heart.

***

Lord, we study the Word You’ve sent (Ps. 119:15),

And want to be obedient (119:16).

It is a choice we’ve made because,

We have known Your amazing love.

Your presence in our hearts and minds,

Gives us joy all the time!

Thank You we can trust the One,

Who loved us first, to overcome,

And keep us safe, no doubt, no shame,

Fault or guilt, in Jesus name (1 Thess. 5:24).

We’ll keep You foremost in our minds,

And try to return Your love in kind.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Trust God for Our Business!  October 17, 2023

1 Thessalonians 4:11

If someone’s business disrupts yours,

It’s difficult to be encouraged, for sure (1 Thess. 4:11)!

We must so when we can to have peace,

And depend on God for our business needs (4:12).

Others will see a difference, because,

The Author and Sender of peace is God (4:10)!

He helps us rightly control what we do (4:7),

With the love of Christ always shining through.

It’s not enough to keep our mouths closed,

But we must be strong with the JOY of the Lord.

It can’t be faked!  Our strength comes from this,

Strength to trust God for our business!

***

Lord, You tell us to love people more,

To work for peace, not settling scores!

Keep us free from conflict today,

So others will respect scriptural ways (4:12).

Increase our joy to keep us strong!

You’ve promised fairness, to right any wrongs.

Life is too short to spend it in fear!

Never, will You leave us while here!

For this reason, we give You praise (Ps. 119:1)!

Lord, take good care of our business today.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Trust the Lord, Not People, October 16, 2023

Jeremiah 17:7

Complacency shouldn’t describe us!

Yet, we often become so sluggish!

Negligent, missing what we ought to know,

We go places we should not go (Prov. 27:12)!

Change?  Never!  It’s too much trouble!

We want to stay in our little bubble,

With small groups, closed hearts and minds,

Stubbornly, thinking, “We’ve plenty of time!”

God says, “My people have forgotten Me…

So, I’ll scatter them before their enemies (Jer. 18:15-17).”

***

Father, we’ve always trusted Your Name (Ps. 118:26),

And seen Your kindness and promises claimed.

Strengthen us now, so we can respond (27:11),

Trust and seek You, without being stubborn (Jer. 17:13)!

Like the potter, take us apart (Jer. 18:4),

Test and see what’s in our hearts.

We’re dedicated to trusting You, (Jer. 17:5),

And doing what You tell us to do.

Lead us today with spiritual light.

We only want Your will in this life.

We’ll trust You more than ever before,

Not seeking the blessing, but seeking You, Lord!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Know Your Own Strength, October 15, 2023

Jeremiah 15:20

The God Who made the universe, created me and you.

Our purpose is hard-wired, by what we love to do!

Trust the One who tied the tides to the moon!

He wants good things for us, not doom and gloom!

His strength is His power, creativity, and love.

From a vantage point in heaven, high up above,

He can see what’s going on, without needing sleep!

His strength is in all the promises He keeps.

Likewise, we can know our own strengths every day,

By doing what we love in our own unique way.

Don’t work at something to which you’ve not been called,

But know Your own strengths and the strengths of our God.

***

Father, thank You. By Your power we’ve been made,

To fellowship with You, from birth to the grave.

Your loving arms are waiting to hold and receive (Jer. 15:19),

All who come to You, and truly, believe.

Help us know our strengths, and work to build them (15:20).

May we fulfill our purpose and know we can,

Work with ease and power, given by Your decree,

In just the right amount, yes, with everything we need.

Help us understand the availability,

Of Your power and strength for our victory.

All we have comes from Your throne,

So, help us feel Your strengths, added to our own.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Always A Risk, October 14, 2023

Jeremiah 15:20

Today, the Holy Scriptures have power,

And God still speaks through Jeremiah.

These words written in the past,

Reveal God’s character and holiness.

“Change your heart and return to Me (Jer. 15:19)!”

Reminds us how stubborn we all can be (16:12).

We only do what we want to do,

And we don’t listen or obey the truth.

By God’s Spirit, He helps us accept,

His will, what HE likes, or what HE rejects (15:17)!

There is always the risk of hard opposition,

When we share God’s Word or defend HIS position.

***

Father, thank You for the work of Your Spirit,

Who helps us discern the truth and share it (Ps. 118:16-17).

Make us like Christ, to more easily,

Be strong in the hope of victory (15:20).

When we’re surprised that evil prevails,

We trust Your power that will not fail.

Today, help us be Your light in the darkness,

Willing to take the risk for Your purpose.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Better Foundations, October 11, 2023

Colossians 2:7

The longer we live, the more we face,

Our need for better foundations of faith.

Architects know that the secret to height,

Are deep foundations that are watertight.

A major portion of life becomes,

Inventories and inspections.

Scripture best reinforces faith (Col. 2:7),

Making firm God’s salvation with watertight grace (2:14).

These storms of life are inevitable,

So, build strong foundations, indestructible!!

***

Father, help us build square and straight,

Better foundations---stronger in faith.

Keep us standing when pushed or shoved,

By powerful winds that could otherwise, crush.

Please Lord, open and heal blind eyes,

To see the Lord living in our lives.

It’s no secret, a firmer foundation,

Comes by prayer, study, and memorization.

Lord, strengthen and enlarge what exists,

Because we are trusting in Your promises.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Hope is Faith! October 10, 2023

Colossians 1:18

Earth is God’s footstool, heaven, His tower,

And Christ, with all authority and power.

Will come again; He’s the first AND last,

And all His royal children will cast (Col. 1:18),

Their crowns before Him in thanksgiving,

For saving their souls in the land of the living.

As sons and daughter of the Lord (Jer. 6:10)!

We’ve hope, by the promises in His Word.

***

Father, in sunshine, or dark of night,

We seek You first, our hope of light (Col. 1:18).

Our hope is faith that ignites Your power,

To flow through our veins so we do not cower (1:11).

By the work You did on the cross,

Our deeds are nothing more but loss,

So, we cling to the hope that is,

Kept safe in heaven as we yet live.

Yes, we have hope, because of the One,

Who loves us and knows us as daughters and sons.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Right Kind of Thinking!  October 9, 2023

Philippians 4:8

Having a bad day? Control of your thinking;

Pondering good thoughts follows God’s teachings.

Share compassion but keep your mind,

Focused on the goodness of God all the time (Phil. 4:8).

Meditate moment by moment on these,

True and beautiful things that please,

And give a peace that we can’t understand (4:7).

This will help build up and strengthen,

Our faith in God’s goodness.  We must stop to start,

The right kind of thinking that changes the heart.

***

Lord, help us take control today,

Of our thoughts that guide what we do and say. *

Help us focus on truth and love,

With thoughts that imagine Your beauty above.

Through life’s disasters, wars, hurricanes,

We need these reminders, again and again,

To trust in You, and Your ability,

To answer our prayers and provide all our needs (4:19).

Help us think on what’s noble and just (4:8),

Pure, lovely, and worthy of trust.

Lord Jesus, capture anything less,

Then thoughts that boost, uplift, and bless,

Keep our hearts full of Your joy (4:4),

That nothing can steal, trample down or destroy.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


God’s Job and Our Job! October 8, 2023

Philippians 3: 15-16

God says we should forget the past,

And strive to reach our goals ahead (Phil. 3:13-14).

Those with spiritual maturity,

Know that when we disagree,

The Spirit of God makes clear the truth (3:15),

So, it’s not our job to convince you!

The work of the Spirit goes beyond,

What we can say is right or wrong!

Our goal is to share God’s love so amazing,

To tenderize hearts for understanding,

That Jesus has come to save, not condemn,

And nothing compares to knowing Him (3:8)!

***

Father, thank You for salvation’s plan,

Which includes Christ’s intersessions!

As Jesus prays, You send Your Spirit,

To speak in ways they we can heart it.

You protect us while we are living,

So our job is, praise and thanksgiving (116:9 & 12).

Help us maintain joy every day,

And leave it to You if others disobey.

We will be faithful to our own convictions,

And share Your love, not condemnation.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Understanding God’s Word, October 7, 2023

Isaiah 66:2

God provides for all our needs (Is. 65:24),

And gives His children long life, like trees (65:22)!

Before we pray, God pays attention,

And has a plan for all His children.

We may not understand His ways,

But this is where faith comes into play.

Those who reverence God’s Holy Word,

Can trust the goodness of the Lord (66:2).

These are the people with whom He is pleased,

Not proud nor stubborn because they believe,

Every knee will bow, every tongue confess,

That Jesus is Lord. It is His righteousness (Phil. 2:10),

Not their own, that creates and sparks,

Every desire for Him in our hearts (2:13).

***

Father, we know that our joy will be full,

When we trust You are in control.

The birth of a child doesn’t come without pain,

Likewise, the birth of many good things,

Comes with struggles we don’t understand…

Opposing powers in the heavens.

Often, You step in before our plea,

Knowing much better, what we need.

We love You Lord, because You listen,

When we cry for help, You pay attention (Ps. 116:1)!

Lord, we’ll be careful to seek You first,

And expect when there’s pain, we’re about to give birth!

May we reach our hopes and dreams,

By understanding what Your Word  means (Is. 66:2).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

God Suffers With Us, October 6, 2023

Isaiah 63:9

When we suffer, God suffers too (63:9),

But since He has power to save me and you (63:1B),

We often ask, “Why doesn’t He,

Deliver us, immediately” (63:9B)?

Be patient. He saves in due season,

And as we wait, we do not question,

His purpose, His will, and His intent.

Trust even when He’s silent (64:12).

God’s Spirit helps us understand,

How to forgive our fellow man.

When we suffer, we remember,

How to sympathize with neighbors.

In those seasons of burdensome trouble (63:12),

God suffers right along with His people (63:9).

Don’t get discouraged in the process (64:5),

Just trust God to do what He’s promised.

***

Father, we know that You help those,

Who enjoy doing good, who trust and know,

Your promises, having committed their lives,

To sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:2).

Keep us from being guided by self!

Otherwise, Lord, our fears, and doubts,

Will weaken us, letting in,

All kinds of jealous, envious ambition (1:15).

Lord, we trust Your power to save,

And ask for that season to start this day!

Show us Your mercy, salvation, and grace,

And we will be sure to give You the praise (63:7).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Because We Believe, October 5, 2023

Isaiah 61:7

Pray for anything troubling you!

That individual or perhaps a whole group (Eph. 6:18)!

Then strengthen yourself with the armor of God,

Because we don’t fight against flesh and blood (6:12).

God’s holy purpose includes that we,

Comfort others, because we believe (Is. 61:2),

God replaces sorrows with crowns (61:3),

And won’t allow sadness to keep us down!

Because we believe, we rebuild,

And God promises a double yield (61:4-7).

“People, be happy;” God says, “You’ll receive,

Twice as much, because you believe.”

***

Father God, because we believe (61:1),

We comfort brothers and sisters in need.

You said, “Anyone who sees them will know (61:9),

The Lord has blessed them,” by giving us clothes,

Salvation, and goodness, very much like,

A bridegroom dressed to marry his wife (61:10).

Also bejeweled, our praises will be,

From a happy heart, because we believe.

Thank You Father. We look forward to,

The answers to prayers we pray to You (Is. 62:6).

In Your Spirit, we ask for direction,

And because we believe… a double portion (61:7).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Fairness And Peace, October 4, 2023

Isaiah 59:8

Those who tell lies or embellish situations (Is. 59:4),

Strike like snakes with venomous poison (59:5).

But God, unlike anyone else,

Protects us from harm when we ask for help (59:1).

Those who are driven by dishonest means (60:8),

Do not understand fairness and peace.

Hurtful tactics? Just leave them to God (59:18)!

He will repay; this is His job.

Shining in us is God’s glories light,

Without and within, powerfully bright (60:3).

He will be kind to His children (60:10),

With fairness and peace, protecting them.

***

Father, You do things so people will know,

That our Heavenly Father goes where we go (60:16).

You place us right where we are, to bring,

Praise to you, whether courts of a king,

Or streets of the poor, never a worry,

We do it all for Your glory (Ps. 115:1).

You are mighty to help and save,

Whatever happens along the way (60:1-2).

Let fairness reign, with Your Spirit commanding,

Our peace that passes understanding,

Lord, let Your light, consistently,

Dissolves discomfort with fairness and peace (Is. 60:17).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Please God First and Foremost, October 3, 2023

Ephesians 5:10

It is easy to be fooled today,

And think that God just looks away,

At jokes and our associations (Eph. 5: 4),

Because He loves us without question.

But wait, when God says, “Thou shalt not…”

We KNOW what’s right from wrong, no doubt!

No quandary over truth, because,

We’d must rather please our God (Eph. 5:10).

***

Father, Your Word, Your protocols,

Light up our steps so we don’t fall (5:7).

Keep us from being easily duped,

By “prophets” who rewrite the truth (5:6).

Shine Your light upon the sins (5:11),

That grieve Your Holy Spirit within.

Lord, we want to do what’s right,

And do what’s best to spread the light (5:16).

Of us, don’t let it ever be said,

That we have been so easily led,

Away from that which we’ve been taught!

Ignoring all Your, “Thou shalt nots.”

Whispers in our hearts and minds,

So we don’t cross that fine line (5:1).

Instead, we want our lights to show,

As pleasing God wherever we go.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Unpredictable Power, October 2, 2023

Isaiah 55:8

We’re reminded again today,

God’s ways are not our ways (Is. 55;8).

We want to dictate “who” and “what,”

“Where” and “when” He should answer us,

But we cannot box up the Lord!

Instead, take Him at His Word (55:11),

And believe He will make things happen,

In HIS way, beyond comprehension!

***

Father, You give us all that is good (55:1-3).

We read these promises in Your Word,

And believe they are truly meant for us,

But sometimes we put You in a box!

Lord, we tend to think You will,

Do what we want to fulfill,

All the things for which we pray,

But Lord, that may not be Your way.

You give good gifts so that we,

Can encourage and strengthen, “the body” (Eph. 4:12).

Help us speak only that which provides,

Strength, to prove You reside (4:29-30),

Within us, never making You sad,

Nor giving the devil a way to be glad (4:27).

Do what we could never predict,

By the power of Your Your Spirit.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


More Than We Can Imagine, October 1, 2023

Isaiah 54:5 & Ephesians 3:20

There comes a time when God’s had enough,

And puts a stop to what comes against us (Is. 54:17)!

He helps us forget any hurtful shame (54:4),

And likes a husband, gives us His Name.

He likens our relationship,

To marriage, a life-long commitment.

Beyond our wildest and highest dreams (Eph. 3:20),

We now “own” all of God’s powerful means!

Much, much more than we can imagine (54:12),

Is How He loves us, this side of heaven.

***

Lord, Isaiah saw Your sacrifice (53:4),

And understood how it would make us right (53:11).

What love!  You took on every pain,

Of our punishment, sin, guilt, and shame,

All because You wanted to show,

Your love is more than we can know.

It is higher, deeper, greater than,

The relationship of a wife and husband!

Your love, so wide, so long, so high,

So deep, that when it fills us inside (Eph. 3:19),

We sense Your power, and understand,

What we can’t do, You can!

Thanks be to God!  You never withhold,

Your love for us within the fold.

Each new day is better, not worse,

Because we have victory over the curse.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Cut From the Rock!  September 30, 2023

Isaiah 51:1 & Ephesians 2:10

Wake up!  Wake up! Make yourself strong (Is. 51:9)!

Shake off the notion that something is wrong,

“Cut from the Rock” you likewise choose (Is. 52:7)!

To climb the mountains and preach the good news.

Unafraid of work and service (Ps. 112:5),

Confident of God’s plan and purpose (112:8 & Eph. 2:10).

Through Christ our Lord, you go about,

Doing good things without any doubt,

***

Lord, fill us with Your grace and love (2:7),

Dug, with purpose and cut from the Rock (Is. 51:1),

Make us generous with our time (Ps. 112:5),

Like You, wise, and of a sound mind.

Unlock treasures and blessings to show (51:22).

How goodness always overcomes evil (Ps. 112:10).

Lord, when we sense that others wrestle,

Kicking the Rock, they can never prevail.

Thanks be to God, we take cover (Is. 51:16),

Cut from the Rock, and receive Your power (51:15).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


We Have God’s Power! September 29, 2023

Ephesians 1:19

When a person respects the Lord,

They have hope and can look toward,

Blessings, more than ample!

The resurrection is one example (Ps. 112:1-2)!

The Lord gives us great worth,

Because He chose us from birth (Is. 49:1; Eph. 1:4).

He gives us an oath (Is. 49:3),

To understand this hope (Eph. 1:18).

More blessings will trickle down,

Besides an everlasting crown,

Strength and promised power,

Are for those who give Him honor (1:19).

***

Lord, when we trust You,

And give back our first fruits,

We show honor and respect,

To the power of the Holy Spirit (1:20).

All blessings come from You,

And we know Your plan includes,

For our children to be blessed (Ps. 112:2),

By the light of our constant witness (Ps. 112:4).

Thank You for power beyond,

What we can do on our own (Is. 50:11).

We pray for this great understanding,

Be included in all our planning,

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Fair and Just, September 28, 2023

Isaiah 48:9

Sometimes it takes teaching,

Some study and some reading,

To learn what is good,

And to act as we should (Is. 48:17).

It’s not all games and fun,

But we’re solid and strong,

And sure that what God does,

Will be good, fair, and just (Ps. 111:7).

***

Father, You are patient,

And fair to Your remnant.

You plant good spiritual seeds,

That grow us, more holy (Gal. 6:8).

Help us share with others,

To build up their borders.

Lord, come and set them free,

To be all they can be (Gal. 6:1-2).

Lord, Paul told people:

“Do not give me any more trouble (6:17),”

But this would bring much strife.

Make us fair and just like Christ.

We resolve to have tough skin,

So that doubt cannot get in.  *

We resist all the negativity,

And trust You’ll provide, fairly!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Seek and Enjoy the Great Things!  September 27, 2023

Psalm 111:2

God works in mysterious ways,

To supply great things for us every day (Is. 45:8).

When we seek Him, His favor is splendid (Ps. 111:3);

His Spiritual gifts are never offensive (Gal. 5:23).

God’s many wonders and miracles,

Are supposed to be unforgettable (Ps. 111:4)!

Those who seek great things from Him,

Will reap His glorious goodness within (111:2-3)!

***

Father, we ask You for more fruit today.

Help us to see it all along the way.

Don’t allow selfish ambition or pride,

To motivate us otherwise.

Lord, jealousy creates such hate,

That limits any progress we can make.

Let Your victory fall like rain (Is. 45:8).

Providing our needs at every age (46:4)!

Thanks be to God!  How marvelously,

You open our eyes to what others can’t see.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

No Worries! September 26, 2023

Isaiah 43:2-3

“When you pass through deep waters, I will be there (Is. 43:2)

You will not be pulled under by tides of despair.

The flames will not hurt you!  Haven’t you learned?

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned!!

Because I’m your God, you are precious to me (43:3),

I love you today, and tomorrow I’ll be,

Right there beside you.  No one can change,

My plans for you, pre-arranged (43:13B)!”

***

Thank You, Father, for Words that lift,

To move forward and just forget (43:18),

What is past to look for the new,

In expectancy, of what you WILL do!!

Lord, let us see the fresh streams (43:3),

Fresh hopes for tomorrow – our wildest dreams.

We’re excited anticipating what will happen (44:8);

Knowing what comes must have Your permission. *

Take away our propensity to fuss,

Because You are right here with us (43:2-3).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Nothing Compares, September 24, 2023

Isaiah 40:18

To whom is God compared?

According to His Word,

There’s nothing, no one, anywhere,

That’s ever seen or heard,

Of a perfect parallel,

To the attributes of God (Is. 40:25).

He saves us from eternal hell,

With His amazing love.

We wouldn’t give a Son,

Or share our own Spirit!

But God gave Christ so everyone,

Could eternal life inherit!

***

Lord, there is no parallel,

Nor metaphoric essence,

Of how someone condemned to hell,

Can live in Your presence.

Grasshoppers, crickets, loud (Is. 40:22),

Like insect, Lord, You’ve said,

We are silly and proud,

And someday, we’ll be dead!

So sad, but very true!

We haven’t any chance,

Of being like You,

At first or second glance!

And yet, when we allow,

And trust, Your wise control,

We become like You, somehow,

With eagle wings that soar (40:31).

Metaphorically,

We can only imagine,

How triumphantly,

We can live in Your presence.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


The One We Should Please, September 23, 2023

Galatians 1:10

“Don’t fear what you’ve heard (Is. 37:6).”

God controls this world!

He saves us from evil (37:35);

For HIS sake, not people.

God wants us to live (38:16-18),

Because death cannot give,

A witness for God,

By showing his love (38-18).

His Word gives a glance,

At how it’s not just by chance (Is. 38:5),

That He meets every need!

So He’s the One we should please (Gal. 1:10).

***

Father, We can witness,

You have healed our diseases (Is. 38:5)!

You hear the many cries,

Of Your children, yet alive.

Your power is just as strong,

Today, to right the wrongs,

And reverse any curses,

Anything that’s subversive.

We ask You today,

To hear us as we pray,

For healing and advice (Gal. 1:16),

To guide our lives.

And Lord, we agree,

You’re the One we need to please!

But also, in pleasing You,

We might please others too!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*


Time for a Test!  September 23, 2023

2 Corinthians 13:8

Would a good teacher create a test,

Hoping that nobody would pass?

No, instead, the test is designed,

To check for evidence of some kind,

Showing we’ve studied, indeed, prepared,

To past this test anytime, anywhere.

Some people wonder, ask, or complain,

“I just took this test; must I take it again?”

Maybe it’s so we won’t forget,

To keep reviewing for another test.

***

Lord, it’s important that others see,

We are all tested, sometimes, daily (13:6).

Questions like, “What if this doesn’t work out?”

“Will I, (A) stay in faith, or (B) foster doubt?”

“The battery’s dead and the tire is flat,

What Scriptures do you use for that?”

Lord, these are tests to what we’re made of,

And what comes out shows what we’re afraid of.

Help us understand we’ve been given,

Your Word to help us answer with wisdom,

Not with anger, disappointment, or rage,

But with the confidence of living in faith (13:5).

Thanks be to God!  This confidence comes,

By the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives in us, by Your Holy Spirit,

Whispering answers in ways we can hear it.

“Be strong, not afraid, Your God will come (Is. 35:4).”

Answers many of life’s scary questions.

Lord, help us tuck Your Word away,

So we pass with flying colors today.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Enough Grace, September 22, 2023

2 Corinthians 12:9

“My grace is sufficient for all of Your needs (2 Cor. 12:9),”

 Each morning, God supplies more grace and peace (Is. 33:2).

By now we should know, He is able,

If we are patient and teachable!

Not by our might, but His alone,

Will we safely arrive at home.

By ourselves, we cannot sustain, *

All who need help, so we must remain,

Humble, pliable, willing to say,

“God’s grace will be enough for today.”

***

Father, You’ve promised to go out before,

And prepare our path, open up the doors!

Thank You for filling our hearts with Your grace,

Enough for everything we will face.

Help us remember to bow the knee,

Instead of just rolling up our sleeves!*

You make the laws, and You are the judge (Is. 33:22),

The King of Kings who loves us.

Our grace has been issued, and hindsight can trace,

How You supply just enough grace.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *


This Is It!  September 20, 2023

Isaiah 30:21

God will always show us the way (30:15B)!

He’s not about to let us stray.

If we miss a turn He’s planned,

We’ll hear His voice and sense His hand (30:21).

“This is it!”  And in an instant,

We will know… He is persistent!

Like a bird protecting a nest (31:5),

God protects our places of rest!

He fills us with His Spirit of (32:15),

Peace, joy, hope, and love.

***

Father, Your reliability,*

Brings us through adversity.

Rivers of turmoil and persecution,

Undoubtedly adds to our confusion.

Help us seek to find Your plan,

And pay close attention,

To the voice of Your Spirit,

Saying within, “This is it!”

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

Sail On!  September 19, 2023

2 Corinthians 11:12

Over time, God rewards,

All we do in the Name of the Lord.

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

Enlists us in a spiritual fight.

But we trust our God to be,

With us, helping, continuously (2 Cor. 11:12).

God protects and justice prevails,

Because He puts the wind in our sails (Is. 29:19).

Yes, we understand this fact,

God will blow the wind on our back!

***

Father, the world so desperately,

Needs Your saving grace and peace.

You have said that our faith comes,

By hearing the Word, through someone,

Preaching, teaching, sharing Good News.

But Lord, too often, it is refused (Is. 29:10-12).

Within this world, evil’s unleashed,

But by Your Spirit, we receive,

Strength… fresh wind, to continue,

Doing whatever You’ve called us to do.

Lord, we trust that You reward (Prov. 25:22)

And energize us when we share Your Word.

We don’t tire, because we see,

The power of Christ, miraculously,

Holding us up, pushing us forward,

Sailing on, in the Name of the Lord.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Do We Really Trust God? September 17, 2023

Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 107:31

Do we evidence faith?

Or is worry written all over each face?

God can give more than we can receive (2 Cor. 9:8),

And topping it off, He adds His peace (Is. 26:3).

Our righteousness comes through worship and praise,

Giving honor to God for the many ways (Is. 25:1),

He levels the path, takes over the fight (26:7),

Of those who trust Him day and night (26:8-9).

Many will praise the Lord, because,

We really do trust in God (2 Cor. 9:13).

***

Father, Your unchanging love includes,

Peace, true peace, the kind that removes,

Any doubts of Your control,

Guiding us safely to our goals.

We give You praise!  The battle’s won,

Because this is what You’ve always done (Is. 25:1)!

Lord, make us living proof (2 Cor. 9:11),

That faith produces Your peace and truth.

Your promised prosperity isn’t weighed,

By the standards of wealth we have today.

But rather, Lord, we glory in this,

That You’ve always fulfilled Your promises.

Thanks be to God for the miracles (Ps. 107:31),

That come from the faith of Your people.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado &

Prayers that Avail Much*


Love's Proof, September 16, 2023

2 Corinthians 8:24

We can tell when it’s love,

There’s no rudeness, push, or shove!

The difference is like night and day,

Love affirms, hate turns away.

Love considers another’s opinion,

Agrees to look at several options!

Points to peace from higher ground,

Which helps to pull strongholds down.

Love gives more because it takes,

Care of others, for love’s sake.

When we give, God won’t neglect,

To provide all we expect.

***

Lord, we love You more each day,

With proof by what we give away.

We give from all we have to give,

So others’ needs are met to live (8:11).

Father, help our love to grow,

And see our gifts as seeds we sow,

With praise, never grudgingly,

Providing love’s proof, joyfully!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Be More Trustworthy, September 15, 2023

2 Corinthians 7:16

No need to be anxious and paranoid!

Trusting others brings greater joy,

Then letting suspicions run amuck,

Creating a lot of distrust in us!

Whether we’re prophets, servants, or kings,

We all must trust others for many things!

God takes care of everyone else,

So trust Him, others, and yourself!

***

Father, please help us to see through sorrow,

That we can trust You to hold tomorrow!

Sometimes, people will turn away,

But Lord, don’t let this diminish our faith.

Our trust in You helps us realize (2 Cor. 7:11),

That we must put paranoia aside.

Help us with this balance of trust,

In the relationships You’ve given us.

With Your Spirit, we can empathize,

Being the shoulder on which others cry (2 Cor. 7:11).

Protect us from hardships and burdens so we,

Are strong, balanced, and trustworthy.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


When is the Right Time, Lord?  September 14, 2023

2 Corinthians 6:2

God speaks and Isaiah reflects (Is. 49:8),

God’s timing is always best!

He’s heard our prayers, and sees,

But when will He meet the need?

The past, the present, the future…

Are His to configure.

Of this we can be certain,

“Now” is the time for salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).

God’s “Now” cannot be defined,

By how we interpret time.

He already knows that He will do,

Things right on time for me and you.

***

Father, as Your children, we,

Know we’re supposed to believe,

That You hear and answer prayers,

Because of Your great love and care (Ps. 106:45).

Make our expectations as,

High as heaven to pray and ask,

And receive so much more,

By trusting You like never before.

When the time for us is best,

The answer will come, “No!” or “Yes!”

Lord, we get trapped in time,

And “When?” hangs up heavy in our minds,

So help us capture our timing doubts,

And trust that “Now” will come about.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Faith, Not Sight, September 13, 2023

2 Corinthians 5:7

We love the Lord, someone unseen,

And trust His watch is ever keen (Is. 18:4).

Faith encourages, renews,

So by faith, faith we pursue (2 Cor. 4:16).

Goals, based upon God’s might (5:6),

Knows that faith is not by sight!

We will never be forsaken,

Trusting God for salvation (4:16).

By His Spirit, faith is lit,

No matter how difficult things get.

***

Father, thank You we’re made right (5:21),

By the blood of Jesus Christ.

Faith makes every step cushioned,          

To lift us high in tough situations,

So that we can trust, not worry,

Believing that You watch to see,

How high to grow the hedge, the shelter,

Protecting us with Your power.

You control the great unknowns!

Lord, forgive our subtle groans (5:3-4),

As we wait, please help us stay,

In faith, for what’s not seen today.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Unstoppable Plans! September 11, 2023

Isaiah 14:27

Our thoughts cannot contain the spender,

Of God’s plans that make us wonder!

Only He devises plans,

That can’t be thwarted or stopped by man (Is. 14:27)!

The past does not complete our story,

And there are things we’ll learn in glory,

Such as, how God worked to guide,

Protect, prosper us, and guide.

His design and Master plan,

Cannot be stopped, so just praise Him!!

***

Father, Your arms are big enough,

To hold the world, so why not us?

You can simplify our load,

But for reasons we don’t know (Is. 14:25B),

Freedom might take a little longer,

So that we’re made tougher, stronger!

God Almighty, All-Powerful,

Your plan includes defeating the devil!

Save us Lord, from the snares,

So we can enjoy what You’ve prepared!

Your plans for us cannot be topped,

And nothing here on earth can stop (14:1).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Seek the Knowledge of God, September 10, 2023

Isaiah 11:9

Imagine the knowledge of God as the sea,

Filling the earth to capacity (11:7)!

Knowledge that soothes and satisfies,

So a bee won’t sting; a baby won’t cry (11:8)!

Knowledge of God as full as the sea,

Would leave no room for jealousy (11:13),

Hatred, fighting and bitterness,

Would give way to forgiveness.

This is what heaven is like, because, *

Everything’s full of the knowledge of God (11:9).

***

Father, thank you for providing a way,

For us to seek heaven on earth, today!

Evil wants nothing more than to win,

By propagating ignorance of sin (2 Cor. 2:11)!

Jesus, You’ve promised a way of escape,

If we’ll seek Your knowledge, forgiveness, and grace.

Take away worry and stress that is caused,

By failing to seek and knowing You, God.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Give Everything!  September 7, 2023

1 Corinthians 15:58

We must give Jesus everything,

Because He is worthy---the King of Kings!

He changes hearts and maneuvers minds (Ps. 105:24)!

To make our work worth our time.

He promises us, our heart’s desires,

Because He’s the one who lights the fires,

Empassioning us to do our best,

Depending on Him to do the rest.

Death, with all its misery (1 Cor. 15:55);

Will be destroyed in victory!

And so, we stand, firmly, because,

Everything’s in the hands of God.

***

Father, when we take a stand,

On scripture, You will always defend,

And give us greater victory,

Then those who cave in, culturally.

Thank You for grace that covers our sin.

Touches our lips and cleanses within (Is. 6:6),

So that we can stand for You,

Using Scripture as a basis for truth (Ps. 105:19).

Lord, keep Your promises,

That our work will never be wasted.

Open blind eyes, to see sin as sin (Is.5:20),

And convict others to be “all in.”

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Seek God’s Help First, September 5, 2023

Psalm 105:4

Satan loves to create confusion (1 Cor. 14:33),

To split up partners and peaceful unions.

He stirs up a taste for jealous doubt,

And seasons it with times of drought.

This yields resentments, and after so long,

All we take in becomes bitterly wrong.

Christians, beware!  Evil is spread,

By depending on people too much, instead,

Of coming to God and trusting that He (Is. 1:22),

Would rather bless us, abundantly!!

What God commands, no one can stop.

HIS miraculous power is over the top.

***

Father, we know the things we should do,

Like bringing our problems, first, to You.

When there’s confusion, we can be sure,

Someone has turned their back on You, Lord (Is. 2:17)!

Satan loves to see lines drawn in sand,

By proud, stubborn, hard-hearted humans.

Lord, we seek You and depend on Your will,

To change hard hearts; make tongues be still.

Lord, You are God, and with this in mind,

We trust that You want our best all the time.

Thank You, Lord! Wonders and miracles,

Come from You, and not from people!

Help us today to glory in this:

That seeking You first, ensures our good gifts (Mt. 6:33).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Our Differences Increase Faith, September 2, 2023

1 Corinthians 12:6

If we truly believe that God makes the streams,

And the tides that pour in and out of ravines (Ps. 104:10)?

Then just as the sky waters the earth,

We should never doubt our intrinsic worth.

Also, never doubt God above,

Loves us more than we know how to love (Song 4:9)!

As a husband, He sees no wrong,

In His “Bride” as in Song of Songs (Song 4:7).

By faith we believe and have no doubt,

That if God waters trees, He won’t leave us out (Ps. 104:16)!

As He gives the high mountains to badgers and goats (104:18),

He provides our places of safety and hope.

***

Lord, Your Spirit brings various gifts,

Something for each one---just the right fit!

You give us all that we need by grace,

Between our prayers, You increase our faith.

Someone has the gift of healing (1 Cor. 12:9),

While another has insight to unpack, revealing,

Your Words of truth, with wisdom and might (12:8),

And we are made stronger by another’s insight.

Lord, thank You for our differences,

And Your gifts to match our preferences.

Each time Your Spirit is seen working through,

Someone else, it increases our own faith in You.

Help us discern our own gifts and see,

Your Spirit at work in us, all differently.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Seven Out of Seven, September 1, 2023

Proverbs 24:16

God does not tuck us away in a bubble:

“Even good people may be bothered by trouble (Prov. 24:16).”

The good news is, “We are never defeated.”

Bu the wicked are overwhelmed and depleted.

But God says to us, each new day:

“Get up, my darling, let’s go away (Song 2:13).”

Seven days we should commune with Him,

Not one, but seven days out of seven.

How is it that we think we can skip,

One or two days, weekends, or trips?

Communion starts with each daily breath,

Without it we lag in our faith and digress.

***

Father, thank You for Your promises given,

That though we might have trouble, times seven,

We can commune with You every day,

And not be defeated in any way.

Lord, You love us individually,

But also, You see us as one body,

One Bride, where each member is cherished and loved,

Deserving Your love and support from above.

Seven times seven, Lord help us not miss,

Your Word that reminds us each day about this.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Enjoy it! August 31, 2023

Ecclesiastes 11:8

Once we find that way of escape,

That God provides so we make our break,

From temptations and bad mistakes,

We have a level of peace.

 

Life won’t be perfect, by any means (Eccl. 11:4),

The storms will always muddy our streams,

But when, on a level of peace, it all seems,

That our worries can be released (11:10).

 

It’s senseless to pay back the ruthless (Prov. 24:14),

And getting angry is simply useless!

Time is short, and love is our purpose (Eccl. 12:7),

So we should find ways to enjoy it (11:8)!

 

God will judge what’s done in secret (12:14).

He knows each heart, by His Spirit.

That which we think, He can hear it!

Don’t stay annoyed, get over it!

***

Father, forgive us when easily rumpled,

Disturbed, discouraged, and prone to grumble.

We lose our way and our joy crumbles,

So haste is allowed to reply.

 

You said, we’ll be dead a very long time,

And worry makes us barely survive,

Instead, Spirit, calm our minds,

With peace to enjoy our lives!!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Be Convincing!  August 30, 2023

1 Corinthians 10:33

When you say Christ set you free,

Say it more convincingly.

Why?  Because I see you do,

Things the wrong attitude.

Though we are free from condemnation,

We still must think about fellow Christians!

Someone weaker in their call,

Could follow you, and quickly fall.

Convince me that you’re looking out (1 Cor. 10:24),

For those whom you should care about!

What do you think the Lord would do?

Would Jesus act just like you (10:33)?

***

Father, thank you that we are free,

Of condemnation, but not to be,

Unconcerned about a brother.

Make us care about each other!

Help us if someone’s stirred,

If we behave, unencumbered (10:29).

Lord, if they should think it’s wrong,

Help us keep our witness strong.

May we grow in self-control,

To be Your best examples (11:1).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Escape!  August 29, 2023

1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation comes to everyone,

No person is exempted (10:12),

But if we look for an escape,

We will be protected!

We cannot serve two masters (1 Cor. 10:21)!

Pulling up and down;

Anger brings disasters (Ecc. 7:8)!

So take the higher ground.

Don’t react as in the past,

Thinking you can’t shake it!

God’s ways are always best,

He’ll show how to escape it (10:13)!

***

Father, when we’re tempted,

To react as in the past,

We try to be exempted,

From doing what is best.

Help us, every time,

To look around the room,

For Your exit sign,

To escape temptation’s doom!

We’re temped, Lord, with attitudes,

That are not Christ-like at all!

Forgive our carnal platitudes,

That will quickly make us fall (Eccl. 7:5).

Help us stop demanding (7:16),

That we are always right!

Lord, thank You for expanding,

Our escape into the light!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Love Builds, August 27, 2023

1 Corinthians 8:1

Love’s creativity always looks for ways,

To build others up… it’s a challenge these days!

Love remains positive and ready for action,

Focused on the Lord’s written directions (1 Cor. 8:6).

Love will not allow the world’s disrespect,

Of souls that are weaker, not finished yet.

God knows His believers who love like this (8:3),

And He’s sure to provide them with a loving spirit,

To overcome evil, and not remain silent,

Overlooking evil, without action or comment (8:9)!

Love steps in to save the build,

Remodel what’s broken, or unfulfilled.

***

Lord, Your love is constantly building,

Refreshing, remolding, calking, and sealing,

Those who are torn, weakened by pressure,

Of evil tides and stormy weather.

Lord, help us always lend a helping hand,

To strengthen a young or weak foundation.

Help us be able to offer our assistance,

Always building up without judgment.

Father, it’s hard to overcome evil,

But we must believe that all things are possible!

Work through us Lord, to be better builders,

Of faith within ourselves, and in other believers.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


A Life Fulfilled, August 26, 2023

1 Corinthians 7:40B

Paul, who does not have a wife,

Seems confident giving marriage advice!

He thinks being single is better for sure,

Because one can focus on Christ even more.

Certainly, for some, it is a gift,

But most have marriage on their wish list!

Is this an opinion, or of the Spirit?

Either way, Paul is entitled to share it!

God has given us a free will,

And pray, either way, our lives are fulfilled.

***

Father, we all have opinions today,

So, help us share them in the right way.

If someone decides to remain single,

Please give them strength to keep away from evil (1 Cor. 37).

As Your Spirit guides from within,

Help us understand YOUR opinion.

This is what should matter most,

Knowing Your mind, by the Holy Ghost.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Thus, We Trust, August 25, 2023

Job 42:3

No one can offer up to God,

Anything worthy of His great love.

He doesn’t have to explain to us,

What’s going on and thus, we trust!

We trust His heart will not allow,

More than we can bear, somehow,

He knows, so much better than man,

How much we cannot understand.

***

Lord, we seek an explanation,

Because of our limitations!

We may not always be able,

To trust Your love is always stable.

Because after this, we’re conditioned,

To constantly seek explanations!

You made the proud to have free reign (Job 41:34),

To look as if they always gain.

But often, we don’t see behind,

The curtain, to behold the mind,

Of the only One with answers (42:2),

I.e., why You allow cancer.

Our questions about the universe,

Why some are blessed, and some are cursed…

Lord, thus we trust and yield,

For Your purpose, as You will.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

We Glory in Jesus Christ, August 22, 2023

 1 Corinthians 4:5

When linked to Jesus Christ,

Our eyes will see through His.

He helps us reach perfection,

By showing us how to live.

Doubt’s self-conscience pleas,

Bring pain and regret,

Producing mediocrity

Not the honor Christ projects!

What He’s begun will be,

A bright, shining light (1 Cor. 4:3-5),

To beautifully complete,

Our lives in Jesus Christ.

***

Father, help us see ourselves,

As fully linked to You,

Following Christ, not anyone else,

And understanding who,

Has given us integrity,

To carefully not sink,

But to view ourselves accurately,

And not by what others might think!

Someday, we’ll receive,

Honor that can’t compare.

Praise from You, personally (4:5),

Not by anyone else, anywhere!

Glory to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Spiritual Presence Within!  August 21, 2023

1 Corinthians 3:16

Always remember, we are God’s Temple (1 Cor. 3:16).

Certain actions are not spiritual (3:3)!

If we digress, others can’t tell,

If God’s Spirit in us is alive and well!

Jealousy grows mold that complains (3:3),

That clings to grudges, defiance, and blame!

But God’s spirit gives out a glow,

That others can see wherever we go.

He provides wisdom so we, carefully (1 Cor. 3:10).

Choose our words, responses, and deeds (3:13).

We’re grounded in Christ, not stubble or hay (3:14),

And this provides light as we go on our way.

***

Spirit, FILL US, body, and soul,

To resemble what Paul calls, “spiritual” (3:3).

We need more of You, because,

We can easily become so full of (3:3),

The world, with jealousy and quarrelling.

As if we have not learned a thing!

Guide our talk and deeds to prove,

That we are being led by You.

With increased evidence of grace and love,

Be spiritually present in our Temple of God (3:16).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

We Have the Mind of Christ, August 20, 2023

1 Corinthians 2:16

Only the spirit inside of a man,

Knows his every thought (1 Cor. 2:11).

Likewise, only God’s Spirit can,

Know what God thinks, we cannot (2:10).

When we have the Spirit of God,

Working and living inside,

We can explain spiritual truths (2:13),

That the Spirit of God will not hide.

But people without God’s spirit (2:14A),

Will think we digress!

Their spiritual ears cannot hear it;

Because they are spiritually deaf (2:14B).

***

Father, it’s hard to explain it,

This voice within that we trust!

By the power of Your Holy Spirit,

We hear You speaking to us.

We’re not happy when others fall (Job 31:29),

Neither do we curse those garish,

Because You have made us all (31:15),

And do not wish that any will parish.

Strengthen us by Your Spirit,

To keep moving toward the prize!

Help us better share it,

The beautiful mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Be Faithful Because God Is Faithful, August 19, 2023

1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Have you’ve lost some wealth or fame (Job 30:9)?

Has someone ruined your good name (29:4)?

Too old to start all over again (30:16)?

My friend, OUR God is faithful (1 Cor. 1:9)!

 

Love the Lord and hate what’s evil (Ps. 97:10).

Because God promises such people,

Will overcome life’s upheavals,

So like God, be faithful.

***

Lord, help us fully believe,

That You are providing every need.

And when we don’t hear, feel, or see,

Your hand, You are faithful.

 

We know that as we take a breath!

You desire our happiness (Ps. 97:8),

And remind us, we are truly blest (Ps. 97:11),

Because You are faithful.

 

Lord, give us strength to do (Prov. 23:16),

Whatever it takes to see folks through,

Times of need, sharing gifts from You (1 Cor. 1:7).

To show them, You are faithful.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Wisdom’s Source, August 18, 2023

Job 28:13

Wisdom’s value can’t be measured (Job 28:13)! Yet, it’s in the eyes,

Of the spirit-filled whose treasures up in heaven lie.

Gold is not enough, and jewels cannot suffice,

To help us seek and trust, wisdom’s great advice.

“So where does wisdom come from (28:20)?” Does it have a lair?

God shares it with the ones who fear Him… that’s where.

The fear of God is needed to help correct our ways (Prov. 23:13-14);

God administers its test, all throughout the day (Job 28:28:27).

***

Father, help us understand, wisdom comes from You.

Please reach out Your hand and share it with us too.

Hone our “fear of God” (28:28), so, we are not afraid,

That You would stop Your love short of the grave.

Lord, we will eschew the evil that surrounds us,

By understanding, You have standards that ground us,

To which we must adhere! The stakes are greater than,

The number of years that it will take to understand.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible and devotional by Max Lucado

 

Just Say, “No!”  August 17, 2023

Job 28:28

We can get so caught up in trying to be,

Sweet advocates in our ministries,

That we cross a line, and no longer see,

When to walk away (Job 28:28)!”

 

Can we ever keep evil out of lives?

It’s everywhere, right before our eyes!

But we run the risk of compromise,

When conformingly, we stay.

***

Forgive us, Father, when we ignore,

What’s wrong, instead of praying for,

Hearts to start obeying the Lord!

Give us discernment to know (Rom. 16:18)!

 

Lord, give us wisdom, so we obey,

And know when we should walk away!

Don’t let us be drawn in today,

By evil, thus helping it grow!

 

We need to be filled with more of You;

More of Your Spirit to understand, who,

Just might be USING us to do,

Something wrong. Help us say, “NO (16:17)!”

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Healthy Fear of God, August 16, 2023

Psalm 96:9

“I am frightened by Him,” Job admits (Job 23:15).

This innocent, very good person,

Must suffer the pain God permits,

Instigated by Satan!

“Have you noticed my servant Job (Job 1:8)?”

And the scoffing devil replies,

That if God will remove Job’s hedge,

Job would curse Him and die.

But we know the rest of the story!

“My feet closely followed His steps (23:11)!”

And Job’s life will end in glory,

Though he has suffered tests!

The Psalmist reminds us of this,

That we should be afraid (Ps. 96:9),

Of God’s might and holiness,

With fear of NOT being saved!

***

Father, Your love is expected,

But many cross over the line,

Between worship where You are respected,

And that which just wastes Your time.

Most have lost any fear of God,

As a judge who demands certain actions.

Our attitudes, even our thoughts,

Are harnessed by the world’s distractions!

We don’t understand holiness,

Or acknowledge it when we assemble!

Lord, our respect should reflect this,

At Your holiness, we shouold tremble.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Don’t Get Tripped Up, August 15, 2023

Romans 14:17

We can trip on a rug or a wire,

And fall, headlong, into mire.

It hurts!  it’s embarrassing,

But it’s not such an important thing!

Likewise, we aren’t always right.

Projections and perceptions cause fights (Rom. 14: 1).

We get tripped, it appears,

Being hung up on our anger and fear.

What kind of a witness is this?

God will reveal to us by His Spirit,

The things that He wants us to do,

And He promises this will include,

Peace beyond comprehension,

Hope and joy while trusting in Him (14:17).

***

Father, what You said through Paul,

Is still Your Word for us all!

We must focus on living right,

And not engage in “fight or flight.”

Along with this, Your peace,

And joy, are spiritually released,

By the Holy Ghost that is poured,

Into those who are trusting You, Lord.

Forgive us when we stay too long,

Caught in resentments and wrongs.

Keep our thoughts, our words, and deeds,

Focused on Your promises and Your decrees (14:18).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Would You Volunteer For This? August 14, 2023

Proverbs 23:4

We should choose the work we love,

And love the work we do.

Surely, we’ve got sense enough,

To somehow, combine the two!

Once retired, would we take,

Our job as a volunteer?

Would you do it all for free?

The answer should clear,

Our vision will be bad,

If our work isn’t something we love.

When it doesn’t make us glad,

Then it wasn’t assigned from above!

***

Father, thank You that we,

Can work in the jobs we love.

Quicken Your Spirit in me,

To sense a call from above!

Our leadership has no power (Rom. 13:1)

Unless they receive it from You!

Likewise, give us desire,

And love for the work we do.

If the joy in our work has faded,

Lord, light a new spark by Your Spirit,

So our hearts can burn, unaffected,

By any kind of wet blanket!

May our joy ignite,

Everyone we meet,

And likewise, help to light,

Their hearts on fire for Thee.

For Your

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Do Good to Get Over It, August 13, 2023

Romans 12:21

Look in the eyes of Jesus,

To see the love that He has,

Not just for the ones who worship Him,

But for those who make Him sad.

He sees this evil world,

And how it does us harm.

He reminds us to guard our pearls,

So the swine won’t trample them down,

Commit any evil to God (Rom. 12:19)!

Worship turns it away.

Give it to Him to resolve,

And do good instead to repay (Rom. 12:21).

***

Father, to You, we commit,

The souls of those who hate.

When they hurt us, Lord, we admit,

That we want to retaliate.

Instead, move in closer,

And encourage us, like Paul,

Who reminds us, not to bother,

Getting even with them at all.

Lord, today we come,

With our praise and worship.

May the good that we’ve done (12:20),

Help us to get over it!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Who Told You?  August 12, 2023

Job 16:19

We should try to keep up with God’s pace,

And understand events that take place.

Just as God gives Job revelation,

Of an advocate speaking for him in heaven (Job 16:19),

The unseen Christ makes Himself known,

As our advocate before God’s throne (16:20).

How can this be?  It’s because of this:

That still small voice is God’s Spirit,

Speaking, reminding, tugging us toward,

Understanding the mind and ways of the Lord.

***

Jesus, before You came in the flesh,

Job understood that You exist,

To intercede on behalf of humans (16:21),

By the Spirit speaking to each person.

Lord, make my life so rich in faith,

That I walk with You at the very same pace,

So I’m not surprised at what happens to me,

With Your Spirit speaking, simultaneously.

Speak in ways so I recall (Rom. 11:29),

That You can keep me from a fall.

Thanks be to God!  I count on this:

Your constant guidance by Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


August 11, 2023--- With Jim's mom/TBA


Eyes of Love, August 10, 2023

Romans 10:11

The face is our identity.

Our eyes can say, quickly,

Who we are deep inside,

Things that a smile can hide!

Eyes full of warmth and love,

Come from truly knowing God!

But some put on a smile to cover,

Insecurities that hover,

Underneath a pasty smile,

But their eyes will always tell,

Everything they feel and think (Ps. 94:11).

Eyes of love will not sink,

Nor allow sin in the soul,

Knowing, they will lose their glow!

***

Father, we commit today,

To eyes that glow in godly way!

Excellent eyes share two things,

Thoughts of love and hearts that sing.

Lord, we trust You to fill,

Our minds to understand Your will.

As we grow, believe and trust,

You won’t disappoint us (Rom. 10:11)!

Give us hearts that translate,

To eyes of love for Your name’s sake.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Grace Is Power, August 9, 2023

Romans 9:32

God set the world, and it cannot be moved (Ps. 93:1).

Likewise, His plans for me and for you,

Are set, though waves around us rise higher (93:3),

God Almighty is so much greater (93:4).

His laws will stand forever, and so,

By faith, through grace, we continue to grow (93:5).

And as we live by faith and trust,

Any rising waves won’t affect us!

We cannot buy, nor can we change,

The plans God has for those who claim,

His grace that is greater than what we can do (Rom. 9:32),

Because His Spirit is working through,

Conforming us. No, money can’t buy,

The power that God’s saving grace provides.

***

Father, we thank You for making things right,

And that we are saved by faith in Christ (Rom. 9:32).

Help us stop striving to please and appease,

Instead, we will trust in You for all of our needs.

Take us and make us fit into Your plans,

With faith strong enough to take a stand.

Lord, sometimes, we admit, we want to escape,

From ungracious people who refuse to wait,

Upon You for wisdom, far greater than ours.

Lord, may they know that grace is power.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Good People Keep Growing and Changing, August 8, 2023

Psalm 92:12

We never get to an age where we,

Should stop growing spiritually!

God wants to keep us moving toward,

Maturity in the Lord.

When old, we will produce good fruit (Ps. 92:14),

Healthy, strong, sinking its roots,

Deeper, into the Rock of salvation (92:15);

Changing as part of Christian formation.

***

Father, we can site the accounts,

Of blessing pouring from Your fount.

Help us change and constantly grow,

As witnesses everywhere we go.

May our lives always tell,

Others how to serve You as well (Prov. 22:21).

Jesus, make us a testament,

To how and why You were sent!

Help us change to witness more,

And bring many souls to the Lord.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Right or Wrong, Innocent or Guilty? August 7, 2023

Job 6:30

Job’s confidence never sways,

In the things he has to say (Job 6:30).

He is innocent before God,

Though his problems are not resolved!

While discussing this with friends,

They seem to be determined,

To make him own some kind of fault,

But Job is confident, he is not,

Guilty! Oh, that we could be,

As sure of our innocence as he!

Sometimes, we are second-guessing,

If we’ve sinned, because we’re listening,

To the devil’s accusations,

Instead of God’s commendations (Rom. 8:33).

***

Father, Your Word is powerful,

To give us strength in times of trouble.

In our hearts Your spirit convicts,

Right or wrong, by reading it.

Thank You for Job’s example that helps,

Us to stop second-guessing ourselves!

Knowing right from wrong is key,

In discerning when we’re guilty!

Teach us through Your rhema word, *

That cuts through sin like a sword.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

 

God Rights the Wrongs, August 6, 2023

Psalm 91:14-16

The Holy Spirit lets us know (Ps. 91:14),

How Jesus saves and helps us grow.

Those who love the Lord will see,

He rescues them, miraculously (91:15)!!

It might take years, but years God gives (91:16A),

To experience, while we yet live,

The answers to our prayers, along,

With SEEING Him right the many wrongs (91:16B).

God enriches us in ways,

That makes us want to SHOUT His praise!

His promise for, “Whoever loves” Him,

Is a long, full life, blessed by Him (Rom. 8:17).

***

Father, we know that You can break,

Any curse, for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, we’ll flourish spiritually, *

Because You bless us, miraculously!

Our story’s end is yet to come,

And just like Job, Your intention,

Is for our lives to be enriched,

By knowing Scriptural precepts (Ps. 91:14).

Lord, we trust Your love and grace,

To make things right and keep us safe!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Evil and Innocence, August 5, 2023

Job 2:1

We can’t conceive as human beings,

All of heaven’s hidden things!

Meetings of those yet alive.

Beyond the purview of our eyes.

Why does God even entertain,

Satan within His domain (Job 1:6)?

It looks as if each fight begins,

Between good and evil… in heaven (Rom. 7:21-23)!

Hope prevails in Job. We read (Job 1:6),

That Satan has accountability!

He must get God’s permission,

To touch the lives of His children.

***

Father, thank You for revealing,

How that You are constantly dealing,

And tracking the antics of the devil,

As he roams the earth to instigate evil (1:7).

Job’s example helps us see,

How to live innocently (2:9).

He would not accuse His God,

Of wrongdoing, mainly because,

His faith is focused away from self,

And on Your power, nothing else.

Help our faith to stabilize,

And live like Job, innocent lives.

Make us strong, worthy opponents (2:10)!

When Satan comes to test our innocence!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Grow in Knowledge of the Truth, August 4, 2023

Proverbs 22:12

As we study all the Scriptures,

Knowledge helps eliminate fear (Prov. 22:12).

God’s Word lights and guards our path,

While God’s Truth makes things clear.

He promises He will destroy,

False words aimed at us.

Whatever steals our peace and joy,

Is not God’s plan for those who trust (Jer. 29:11)!

Hidden traps, lies as well,

That are hurled to hurt God’ children,

Are deflected back to hell,

For our safety and protection (Ps. 91:1-2).

***

Father, we trust Your Word today!

We are covered by Your feathers (91:4)!!

Under Your wings, always,

We need not fear tomorrow!

You’re the giver of good things,

Acknowledging our repentance (Rom. 6:18).

Reveal Your truth that always brings,

Spiritual knowledge and wisdom.

No longer are we slaves to sin (6:20),

But instead, slaves to You (6:22).

Father, let each day begin,

With growth in knowledge of the Truth.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


August 3, 2023, coming

 

When God Works, August 2, 2023

Esther 6:1

When God works, hearts will sway,

And we witness His mysterious ways!!

Without invitation, Esther could die,

Unannounced, she goes to the king to try (Esther 5:2),

And save her people, but first she must pray,

And fast, so the king will ask her to stay.

“What is it… what do you want to ask me (5:5:5)?

I will give you as much as half of my country!!”

Now this is an answer that certainly shows,

God is at work BEFORE we go!

Later, that very same night, the King,

Can’t sleep a wink, so his servants bring,

The daily court record to read to him.

And again, God works for the sake of His children.

***

Father, You are on the Move,

To answer prayer, which brings glory to You.

When believe in the power of prayer,

You go to work to plan and prepare,

Our answer in ways, timed to perfection,

Behind the scenes, making connections.

Father, thank You for working today,

To answer our prayers, Your time, Your way.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado



August 1, TBA


 God Intercepts the Evil, July 31, 2023

Esther 2:21-22

We have no idea how many times,

God orchestrates, then somehow, blinds,

The eyes of evil doers to close,

As their evil plans are exposed.

God’s angels surround you and me,

And they outnumber the enemy!

God knows the future, and sets in motion,

Interceptors to protect His children (Esther 2:22).

It’s God’s delight for us to expect,

Him to foreknow and make plans to protect.

***

Father, thank You for helping us see,

You intercept evil plans of the enemy.

You provide help, through loyal friends,

So that we can be fruitful in Your Kingdom.

Make us more faithful to share Your peace (Acts 2:7),

And may evil backfire upon the thief,

Who comes to destroy the gospel of Christ,

And delimit the joys You give us in life!*

Lord, put a wall around Your anointed,

And intercept evil aimed at those appointed,

To share Your Word and care for Your people.

Lord, come, intercept any plans for evil.*

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

Embrace the Truth, July 30, 2023

Romans 1:28

The Word of God says there will be no excuse (Rom 1:20),

For those who prefer lies over truth (1:18).

He shows us His glory in one way or another!

Since time began, we can see His power,

By what He has made; we can understand, *

That this beautiful world didn’t just happen!

Those who refuse to give glory to God,

Become useless to Him, thinking things odd,

Such as, darkness and gas could somehow ignite,

And produce all complex, variant life.

God leaves people to go their own way (1:24).

But His children are free to choose to obey,

The teachings of Christ.  Yes, we ARE forgiven,

By knowing the Truth and following Him.

***

Father, every prophet insists,

That we take Your Word serious,

And live a life that is pleasing to You.

What matters NOT to avoid the Truth (1:28)!

Your anger is shown from heaven against,

The fools who think they can ride the fence (1:24)!

One foot in the kingdom, and the other in mire,

Won’t save us from judgment’s fire!

So, Lord, when we meet You, knowing the Truth,

We will not have to give any excuse.

Our sins, though scarlet, are cleansed by You,

Because we have embraced the Truth.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

Nothing Can Stop Us, July 29, 2023

Acts 28:31

A poisonous snake SHOULD have stopped Paul (Acts 28:5),

But the venom did not harm him at all!

The people waited around to see (28:6),

If Paul would swell, but, miraculously,

He didn’t!  God has a purpose and plan,

That nothing can stop those called by Him.

There will be snakes and opposition,

But God’s love and loyalty will kick in (Ps. 89:24),

To strengthen us and help us do,

Whatever He has called us to.

***

Lord, help us balance good sense with faith,

And not go beating the bushes for snakes!!

But Lord, at the same time we must,

Understand, nothing can stop us!!

You’re the Creator of all that we see,

And You’ve have promised we will complete,

The work You’ve commissioned for us to do.

Whatever happens gets permission from You.

Help us not waste all our time, trying,

To understand why a snake is biting,

But instead, move forward to follow Your lead,

Guiding throughout our lives, indeed!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Continuous Praise, July 28, 2023

Psalm 89:15-16

Using the word, “continuously,”

Creates an impossibility!

We cannot ALWAYS praise the Lord,

Because of living in this world!

The problems, illnesses, the mess,

Can wear down the very best!

So how can we praise God continuously?

By His Spirit in us who give victory,

Over the problems and fear of the dark,

With His presence in our hearts.

***

Father, thank You, Your Spirit within,

Helps us praise You and avoid any sin.

When You say, “… continuously praise” (Ps. 89:16),

Your Spirit reminds us to do so, always.

We need to stay focused, no matter the state,

Because You are with us for Your Name’s sake! *

Keep us from discouragement’s mire,

And BE our glorious strength and power (89:17).

Your Spirit is strong enough to lift,

Us to heights, so we can dismiss,

Lower things, with Your evidence,

Continuously found in Your presence.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and prayers by Stormie Omartian *

 

 

 

God Brings us to the Brink, July 27, 2023

Acts 27:25

It’s a shame God must allow,

A beaten stern, a broken bow,

When He knows, up till now,

We are going to sink!

 

The power of God comes into focus,

Whereas before, no one noticed!

When the water starts to choke us,

Then, we’ll stop and think!

 

No sight of sun or stars for days (Acts 27:20),

Heightens our heavenward gaze,

No other hope of being saved…

God brings us to the brink.

***

Lord, forgive us, we repent,

Of all the time and energy spent,

On earthly problems, bills and rent,

When brinks are ‘round the bend!

 

Lord, Your brinks help us learn,

That our salvation isn’t earned!

It helps us see Your big concern,

Is that we reach for Your hand.

 

Don’t leave us out here on our own!

Break and soften hearts of stone.

When troubles come, guide us home,

Safely, help us land (27:24)!

Glory to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Assemble Together, July 26, 2023

Nehemiah 4:20

We must know the enemy aims,

For breaks in our armor, weak links in our chain.

He manipulates each circumstance,

To make us doubt God’s good plan.

Congregations need to gather,

And partner with God by coming together (Neh. 4:20).

Frontline battles, unaware,

Are happening now, so gather in prayer.

***

Father, we know that You are able,

To restore our “walls” and strengthen Your people.

We also know the enemy waits,

Looking for weak, undefended breaks.

Reveal the active, instigators,

Our weakest links---the problem makers!

Lord, help us complete our mission (Acts 26:17),

The work of ministry that You’ve given.

Your success, our victory (Ps. 89:2),

Comes when praying in twos and threes.

Inspire more hearts to gather in prayer,

By softening hardened hearts to care,

About the important work of Your Kingdom,

With a burning desire to take prayerful action.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


All For One & One For All, July 25, 2023

Nehemiah 2:20

Religious opinions have taken a stand,

By forming different denominations.

Manipulation misses the mark,

And grieves the Holy Spirit’s heart.

Paul preached the resurrected Christ (Acts 25:19),

As the Sadducees argued, “no afterlife.”

We must test what we’ve heard,

From those preaching God’s Word.

As Jesus is Lord, and God is our Father,

Try to understand one another!

“I don’t like the music!”  “We should speak in tongues!”

“I’ve eternal security!”  “That preacher’s too young!”

Seriously?  How we digress!

When there’s drama, there is no witness (Acts 25:27)!

***

Father, we confess our sin of pride.

That makes us intolerant, choosing sides.

We get comfortable, mainly because,

Of liking opinions, instead of following God.

Help us better communicate,

Care for the sheep and rebuild the gates (Neh. 2:4)!

Where there’s indifference, or lack of concern,

For unity, Lord, help us to learn,

How best to work to rebuild the walls (2:17).

All for one and one for all!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

 

The Stamp of Approval, July 24, 2023

Ezra 10:11

Confess the guilt---be free,

Released from its captivity!

Chains of self-consciousness,

Dissolve in God’s forgiveness.

The need for secrets, gone!

Confession is freedom!

Christ’s image, not an idol,

Is our stamp of approval.

***

Lord Jesus, by Your grace,

You died in my place.

I am free from every chain,

Revived, born-again.

Focused now on Christ,

Help me navigate through life,

Imitating Your nature,

And blessed by Your favor.

Let Your image, spiritually,

Be stamped upon me,

Separating me from (Ezra 10:10-11),

Anything outside Your Kingdom.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers from Stormie Omartian

 

Live Right and Be Loyal, July 23, 2023

Proverbs 21:21

The smile of acceptance, radiates peace,

Accompanied by a sigh of relief.

This is something everyone needs,

But many will not pay the cost! *

 

We must give to God our trials, our woes,

In exchange for all our “get up and go.”

He adds creativity’s joyful glow,

For the price of time at the cross.

***

Father, Your Word gives the promise that we,

Can have a good life BEFORE eternity,

But only if we’ll take the time to be,

In Your presence, pursuing Your peace.

 

Peace that comes because we’re approved,

Not by man, but Father, by You.

This excites us to do the things we do,

With joy, not anxiety.

 

Help us, Lord Jesus Christ!

Through Your eyes, we see what’s right.

Led by Your Spirit, both day and night,

We can live right with loyalty (Prov. 21:21).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

The Humble Hold God’s Hand, July 22, 2023

Ezra 6:22

Pride comes before a fall (Prov. 16:18),

But God promotes those who stay small (1 Sam. 15:17). *

Be careful, friend, and do not forget,

God cannot stand an arrogant spirit!

Attitudes like entitlement,

Or thinking our time is better spent,

Doing whatever the heart desires,

Will burn right up when put through the fire.

God promotes us in the land,

When are humbly holding His hand.

In humility, we trust,

That He will change minds for us (Ezra 6:22)!

***

Father, Your Word says to be careful,

Not to curse those who lead the people (Acts 23:5)!

Help us instead, to pray for them,

And trust that You are Sovereign.

As we submit our hearts and minds,

To seek humility, Lord, in time,*

Our unique witness will win,

Others over from lives of sin.

We must practice what we teach,

And remember, always, to stay within reach,

Of our beginnings, small and humble.

Hold our hand so we do not stumble.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

Heaven’s Rights, July 21, 2023

Acts 22:25

Roman soldiers bind Paul’s hands,

For testifying in Jerusalem (Acts 22:25).

Just before they raise a whip,

Paul reveals his citizenship!

Democratic ways include,

A trial for citizens accused.

Claiming his rights, the soldiers stop,

Before they do something should not!

***

Lord, as heaven’s citizens we claim,

The rights and power of Your Name.

When Satan comes to steal or destroy,

Remind us quickly to employ,

Every right as a child of the King,

And stop him from stealing everything!

Lord, help grow us as spiritual adults,

Understanding our freedoms from fault.

Lord, we claim the Name of Christ,

As citizens with heaven’s rights.

Praise God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Honoring God Forever, July 20, 2023

Psalm 86:12

The best way to honor God’s name,

Is to praise the Lord, again and again.

All those committed and sold out to God,

Have experienced His saving love (Ps. 86:13)!

We know we’re sold out, and committed to Him,

When we absolutely refuse to sin.

***

Lord, we’re committed to honor Your Name (86:12),

Not just for the benefits we can claim,

But because we love You as Savior and Friend.

And Your gracious love will never end (86:13).

There is no sin that we want to commit!

With the power of the Holy Spirit,

Teach us how to show You respect (86:11),

Because, as humans, we forget.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Love God’s Commands, July 19, 2023

2 Chronicles 35:27

In the Chronicles of the kings,

Josiah’s love for the Lord’s teachings (2 Chron. 35:27),

Is much like that of Samuel (35:18),

And more than any king of Israel.

When he was twenty-six years old,

He ordered the temple to be restored (34:8).

God’s Teachings were found beneath the rubble,

And Josiah’s response is remarkable!

He loves God’s Word, and this was inscribed,

As an epithet, when He died (35:27).

***

Father, we love no other god,

We worship You and trust Your love (Ps. 86:2).

Like Josiah, we have been given,

All the teachings You have written.

They show us how we can receive,

Long life, success, and prosperity.

When we walk in obedience,

You Holy Word is our defense!

Help us never ignore what You say,

But faithfully, call to You all day (86:3).

Make us dwell in peace in the land (2 Chron. 34:28),

Loving Your Teachings, every command (Ps. 86:5).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Listen, With An Open Bible, July 18, 2023

Acts 20:28

With an open Bible, listen to God (Ps. 85:8). *

He has ordered our peace from above (85:10).

His goodness will shine down with love (85:11),

If we’re loyally listening to Him.

 

Those who take the gospel of Christ (Acts 20:23),

Will face opposition, trouble, and strife.

But do not worry. Good gives us life (20:24),

As we shepherd the flock we are given.

***

Lord, help us have strength to pursue,

Sharing the Gospel, Your Good News.

With open Bible, we listen to You,

And submit to Your Holy Spirit.

 

You’ve said there are some who will twist (20:30),

The truth of Your Word, and coldly resist,

Your commands to which we should submit,

But they refuse to hear it (2 Chron. 33:10).

 

Lord, anchor us to our beliefs,

When others choose to disagree.

Bless listening shepherds, who oversee,

Your church and the sheep within it.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s Scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado*

God’s Contented People, July 15, 2023

Psalm 84:5-6

Does the world around us know it?

As Christians, do we show it?

Or do our prideful actions,

Bring about God’s retribution (2 Chron. 26:19)?

Christians who want to be,

In God’s courts are strong and happy (Ps. 84:5)!

They make things beautiful (84:6),

As God’s contented people (84:6).

***

Lord, help us honor You,

Not just with our lips, but in what we do!

Corporate worship brings joy (84:2),

That the world cannot destroy.

Help us to set higher goals,

And strengthen our self-control.

Being in worship is key,

To strengthen our core beliefs.

May the joy of the Lord bring contentment,

And strength to repel resentment,

Because our happiness,

Is always bolstered in Your presence (84:4).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Faith Defenders, July 14, 2023

Acts 18:9 & 10

Speaking of Christ will hit a nerve,

And people will turn against the Lord (Acts 18:6).

We can expect that Satan will fight,

Against those who witness for Christ!

Don’t be afraid and do not be quiet (Acts 18:9);

Many Christians are living by it (18:10).

They may not be outspoken and loud,

But they’re the majority, silent crowd!

They have their own way of sharing the light,

And guarding their hearts for the sake of Christ.

***

Father, help us defend the faith,

And articulate well Your saving grace (18:28).

Thank You also for the believers,

Who live righteous lives as faith defenders.

Bless them!  North, east, west, and south,

And give them the courage to open their mouths,

To speak the Scriptures of the Lord,

And use it as a two-edged Sword.

Lord, make us, unapologetic,

Skilled in biblical homiletics.

Sharing the Scriptures people need,

Will grow them in spiritual maturity.

Lord, make us fearless to win,

And overcome this culture of sin (Ps. 83:13)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Marinate in God’s Word, July 13, 2023

2 Chronicles 22:3-4

A hardened heart will always make,

Wrong decisions and calloused mistakes (2 Chron. 22:3).

Keeping our hearts tenderized,

Committed, loyal and uncompromised,

Is a daily process we cannot ignore:

Marinate in the Word of the Lord.

This is what keeps us tenderized,

And doing what’s right in God’s eyes.

The evil within hard hearts is vast,

And does not notice any contrast!

The Spirit of God associates with,

Only those tenderized by His Spirit.

***

Father, daily, we seek You first,

And marinate our hearts in Your Word.

Come, Holy Spirit, and tenderize,

Others to be committed to Christ (2 Chron. 23:3).

Do not keep quiet, silent, or still (Ps. 83:1),

When the enemy hardens the hearts of Your people.

Please, forbid a crust to form,

Or allow us to follow those who are wrong.

Likewise, keep the culture from searing,

Desensitizing our sight and hearing,

So that we no longer recognize,

Whether or not we are tenderized.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


With Whom do You Partner?  July 12, 2023

2 Chronicles 20:37

Jehoshaphat did what was right (2 Chron. 19:9),

God told him not to fear, or fight,

For “The battle is not your battle” (20:15).

“You won’t need to fight… tomorrow” (20:16).

But later in life, he partnered,

With a King who was not a believer!

Though God had blessed him before,

With miraculous victories, and much more,

God did not bless his decision,

To partner with an unholy nation!

***

Father, we give thanks and praise,

Because You guide us, always!

Help us to wait on You and test,

The spirits, in all relationships.

Lord, let us never go through,

With a union that cannot be blessed by You.

Help us discern Your direction,

And not give rely on our own perceptions,

That ignore the prompts from Your Spirit,

To create an unholy partnership.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

 

We Need Clarification! July 11, 2023

2 Chronicles 18:19

The Lord planned a heavenly coup,

And posed a question to His troops:

“Who will trick Ahab so, he’ll be killed” (2 Chron. 18:19)?

One of God’s spirits responded, “I will” (18:20)!

This angel of God tricks Ahab alright!

All his prophets tell him to fight.

But Micaiah, God’s prophet, says Ahab will die:

“The Lord has made your prophets lie” (18:22).

The prophets of Ahab, don’t want to hear it (18:23),

Because they’ve been tricked by God’s special spirit (18:20).

***

Father, thank You for letting us see,

How You judge leaders who disbelieve.

You planned for Ahab to die in battle,

Because his ways were so full of evil.

Lord, give us discernment to know,

How to test the spirits to show (Acts 16:16),

If they’re from You, or of the devil.

These verses reveal, sometimes You cause trouble (2 Chron. 18:29)!!

You sent a spirit to Ahab’s prophets,

To advise him to do the opposite,

Of what Your prophet said he should do,

So Father, clarify what comes from You (81:23).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Lord is With You When…, July 10, 2023

2 Chronicles 15:2

The Lord is with us when we are with Him (2 Chron. 15:2)!

Seems a literal interpretation,

Would require that we want to stay,

Close to the Lord, careful not to stray!

The Lord share with us His affections,

To help us love our occupations (Prov. 20:24).

Never forget that God is aware (Ps. 81:6),

Of every need and burden we bear.

He never leaves the ones who desire,

To be WITH Him, every day, every hour.

***

Lord, we worship You as our King,

And pray, keep us from a foolish thing (2 Chron. 16:9),

Like trusting in others to get us through,

Seeking them before we seek you!

Thank You for always hearing our prayers,

And for promising to shoulder our cares (Ps. 81:6).

You’ve promised, “I, the Lord am Your God” (81:10).

There is nothing impossible, or too hard,

For You, Oh, Lord, so when we,

Depend upon You to provide our needs (2 Chron. 16:8),

“Open your mouth and I will feed you” (Ps. 81:10)!

When we stay close, this promise comes true.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Seek Daily Guidance, July 8, 2023

2 Chronicles 2:15

Christians don’t always find common ground,

And sometimes ministries split and move on.

Jeroboam led his people,

By choosing priests that worship idols.

The answers in Scripture are black and white,

That worshipping idols is never right.

Anger is a luxury we cannot afford,

So, look for answers from the Lord, (Prov. 20:22).

To know what’s right, take time to pray,

And let Scripture guide you, day by day.

***

Father, we try to be obedient,

And understand, all believers are sent,

To carry the gospel, not only the pastors,

But we just can’t get our theologies together!!

Lord, some areas for Christians seem gray,

And when this happens, Believers can stray.

Instead of coming against one another,

Help us pray for our sisters and brothers.

Lord, guide us in the right way to go (Ps. 80:14-15).

So that what You have planted will continue to grow.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Wisdom of Kindness, July 7, 2023

1 Chronicles 10:7

Solomon’s wisdom seems eccentric,

His entrepreneurship, vast and eclectic!

He sees silver as down-right common,

And weighs his gold in pounds by thousands!

But when he dies, his son takes the throne,

And in a moment, his wisdom is gone.

Rehoboam, his son, can’t make decisions,

And immature thinking creates division.

Civil war breaks out in no time,

All because Rehoboam is not kind!

***

Father, help us seek You for advice,

Because we need the mind of Christ!

Also, let us have the wisdom of kindness,

And pass it on to our children behind us.

Help us be great mentors who care,

And encourage others to find wisdom in prayer.

Lord, lead us, but also provide,

Good counsellors to give good advice.

Thank you for providing all our needs,

But give us more wisdom and kindness to lead.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Start With Humility, July 6, 2023

2 Chronicles 7:14

Anyone in leadership, i.e.,

Education, religion, politics,

Wonder at the reason why,

People don’t see eye to eye!

The answer even stumps God’s people:

We must learn to be humble!

Too many people lack respect,

And have no desire to connect!

God sees deep down into hearts,

And knows if pride plays a part,

In keeping souls from submission,

To God’s will for salvation.

***

Father, forgive us for times when we,

Are difficult, lacking humility.

Lord, sometimes we cannot hide,

Our human nature, full of pride.

To accept the truth of the gospel,

One must start by being humble!

Lord, hear our prayer today,

With humble hears, we sincerely pray,

That You will convict and forgive our sin,

Save the sick and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Wolves Amongst Sheep, July 5, 2017

Acts 13:10

Paul couldn’t preach in churches today!

Imagine a pastor speaking in this way:

“You son of the devil… you’re against all that’s right (Acts 13:10)!”

“Now the Lord will cause you to lose your sight (13:11)!”

Paul’s sermon was well documented,

But today, it’s considered too offensive.

Perhaps this is why we see so much pride!

No one speaks up, our hands are tied.

***

Lord, You have ways to get our attention (2 Chron. 6:37)!

Forgive us for any apprehension,

At sharing Your Word, from beginning to end,

With shallow believers and progressive friends.

Give us knowledge but also great wisdom,

To stand up like Paul and get their attention (Acts 13:16).

Lord, help believers do right, as well,

Because demons believe, but they’re going to hell.

Protect us, Lord, mainly because,

When we proclaim the Word of God,

We’ll face fighters who hate to hear,

A message doesn’t just tickle their ears (Ps. 79:12 & Acts 13:16).

Lord Jesus, come and Shephard Your pasture (Ps. 79:13),

Protect us from wolves, now more than ever! *

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

 

Freedom, a Blessing and a Miracle, July 4, 2023

Acts 12:6 & 7

Some take freedom for granted.

Like a silver spoon, handed,

To children before they can see,

Or understand liberty.

Hardships that cannot be told,

Faced soldiers braving the cold,

To fight so that we could love,

One nation, under God.

Like Peter, chains are undone,

And heaven’s gates just open,

For those free from sin; another miracle,

For which we need to be thankful.

***

Father, we’re a special nation,

And today, we give thanks for freedom!

Our freedom is unique because,

America was built upon Almighty God!

Freedom is part of Your plan,

For believers in every nation.

Lord, protect us from the chains,

Of those who hate Your Name,

And hate our nation too,

Because so many still trust in You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


The Spirit’s Outpouring, July 3, 2023

Acts 11:15 & 17

Led by the Spirit, bold and wise,

Peter preaches to those despised.

This stirs up arguments within (Acts 11:18),

The believers, misunderstanding his mission.

Peter explains how the Spirit fell,

Upon the people of Joppa as well,

As at Pentecost, that assures (11:15),

All can receive God’s Spirit outpoured.

***

Father, thank You for sending Your Son,

To bring salvation to everyone!

Lord, intercept any prejudice thoughts,

That surface, either taught, or caught.

Let us never create oppression,

But invite all to our congregations.

Today, it’s not the color of skin,

But ethical beliefs about what to call sin.

Lord, make Your Spirit evident,

As proof of Your real presence,

And help us to rightly know (11:18),

And test the spirits---friend or foe.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Break Our Stubborn Will!  July 2, 2023

1 Chronicles 29:18

We can lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink!

Ah!  But we can ride him harder ‘till he cannot think,

Of anything but water! Likewise, God can stoke,

Someone’s heart’s desires for the Holy Ghost.

God has ways to drive us by giving us a need,

His love and mercy guide us to Him back to Him, when thirsty!

***

Father God, we recognize our need for Your refreshment.

How easily our spiritual lives get muzzled by resentments!

Lord, we humbly seek You; please take away the block,

That keeps us from coming and kneeling at the cross.

Worship helps us hydrate, so may Your Spirit pour,

To soften and break our stubborn will to Yours.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Time and Money Expire, July 1, 2023

Psalm 78:58

At times, we cannot rightly discern,

If God gets mad when we fail to learn!

He allows hardships to come and go,

That strengthen us and make us grow.

But He gets angry when we waste time (Ps. 78:58),

On idols that eat up our money and minds.

When we are one in the Spirit with Him,

We will work to do all that we can (Acts 10:18),

To help spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Because time and money expire with life!

***

Father, thank You for enlarging our tribe,

For money and time to manage our lives.

But, Lord, motivate us to go beyond self,

And not be consumed by ungodly stuff (Ps. 78:58).

Put a guard on our hearts and minds (1 Chron. 26:17),

And help us better use our time,

To find our affirmation in You, not people,

Because You save us from all our troubles (Ps. 34:6).

Lord, hear and answer our prayers (Acts 10:4).

To help those grieving and caught in despair. **

Let our time go to doing Your will,

Likewise, our money, in parallel,

With Your desires. Lord, help us see,

The expiration on time and money.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much **

 

God Gives Peace, June 30, 2023

Acts 9:31

Jesus knocked Saul off his donkey,

So that he is no longer the enemy!

Satan’s works of hate and derision,

Stir up strife, drama, and division!

When Believers accepted Saul,

There was peace amongst them all (Acts 9:31).

Salvation begins with repentance,

But peace comes from God, along with acceptance. *

***

Thank You, Lord, for showing us,

The importance of having mutual trust,

With others in the Body of Christ,

Whom You have given eternal life.

Lord, draw each one of us to assemble,

Focused on You, not drama or quarrels (Prov. 20:3)!

May we always show our respect,

By making sure we fully accept,

All as sinners You have forgiven,

Into the fellowship of Your Kingdom.

Let Your love, peace, and acceptance, **

Be present as we gather, expectant,

Of Your Spirit’s miraculous devices,

To bring about peace and end any crises.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado * and Prayers that Avail Much **

The Devil Made Me Do It!  June 29, 2023

Psalm 78:38

Satan’s hatred for the children of Israel,                                                     

Prodded King David to do something evil (1 Chron. 21:1).

Satan can take the credit, because,

Somehow, he made David disobey God!

We may not see the sin of a census,

But God had told David not to do this!

Even his generals knew it was sin (21:3 & 6),

But his power and pride got the best of him (21:4-5).

God wants hearts that are humble and tender,

Not pridefully, counting their members.

We lose sight of saving souls,

When always concerned about numbering people.

***

Father, have mercy! We get off track,

So, please forgive us and draw us  back (21:13).

Because of Your love, You are gracious (21:15),

And feel pity for us in our weakness.

Lord, it’s a wonder that we aren’t destroyed (Ps. 78:38),

Because You get angry, not just annoyed (78:31)!

Thank You for remembering, we’re only human,

And we need Your help to resist Satan.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado



June 28, 2023  

 

Because We Believe!  June 27, 2023

Psalm 78:22

Correction’s not easy, but we believe,

It helps us move forward in life and succeed (Prov. 19:25)!

By the power of the Spirit, we know,

God admonishes us to believe and grow (Ps. 78:21).

As our Father, we can claim,

The mind Christ, ‘till He comes again.

God shares His thoughts when we are basking,

In His Word, not only asking (Ps. 78:18),

For things that we should believe He’ll provide (78:25),

Because He is always right by our side (78:22)!

***

Father, we pray for Your patience and grace,

To shine down upon us, forgive and erase,

Our questioning doubt, and help us believe,

We don’t have to beg You for that which we need (78:18)!

Lord, instead, we ask and claim,

The answers will come in Jesus’ name (1 Chron. 17:23),

Lord, correct us with kindness, lest we,

Are crushed because we are slow to believe.

Protect us and bless us as we choose,

To understand that wise reproof,

Grows us in grace, wisdom, and peace,

To fulfill our purpose, because we believe.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

What Blocks Revival, June 26, 2023

Acts 7:60

The Spirit of God will always try,

To speak to the world, through believers (Acts 7:51).

But the Truth is being distorted by lies,

From Satan, the Great Deceiver.

If we do not know the Scriptures,

We become an easy prey,

For the enemy’s tricky measures,

Pushing us to do it our way.

Stubborn animosity,

Dampens desire to know,

That the law of reciprocity,

Will catch us wherever we go!

***

Lord, let our highest achievement,

Be to learn from stories of old,

Of prophets who kept their agreement (Ps. 78:10),

With You, and carefully told,

Others about what You’ve done (78:11).

Lord, the miracles in the Bible,

Are only well known to some,

And most do not know the Gospel.

Pour out Your Spirit today,

To discern when truth is unraveled (Acts 8:1),

By the enemy along the way,

To block any signs of revival.  

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Act In Faith!  June 25, 2023

1 Chronicles 14:2

David experienced victory,

Yet, he did not fully believe (1 Chron. 14:2),

That God’s anointing was upon him,

Until he evaluated his kingdom.

Even with crowds cheering him on,

He somehow doubted God gave him his crown!

The Lord blesses us out of HIS love (14:10).

And works through us, like a flood (14:11),

That breaks down the walls of our enemies,

Even when we don’t fully believe!

***

Father, we admit to having some doubt,

That You will always work everything out.

Like David, sometimes, we wish Your Spirit.

Would march in the trees so we can hear it (14:15)!

Instead, You whisper, “Have confidence,

I love you and for this purpose I’ve sent,

My Spirit to help and guide You through,

The work that I have given to you.”

Lord, our success comes from Your hands,

As we act in faith and obey Your commands (Prov. 19:21).

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado



  
 

Subordinate love, June 24, 2023

1 Chronicles 12:18

God’s Holy Spirit entered the men,

In David’s army, to be loyal to him.

People will always struggle for power,

So, godly leaders need godly followers (1 Chron. 12:18).

Followers, full of the Spirit of God,

Understand subordinate love.

Out of the heart comes the loyalty,

To equip godly leaders to lead (12:25).

***

Father, as we read through the Chronicles,

About David’s troupes, brave and bold,

We’re amazed at their skill with swords and spears,

While happy to be David’s followers (12:40).

Lord, we need more people, willing,

To be subordinates instead of resisting,

Those You’ve anointed for leadership.

Lord, help us be better subordinates!

Your peace which passes all understanding (Phil. 4:6,7),

Is promised to those with Spirit-led thinking.

We pray for Your spirit to always guide them,

And may the cross of Christ, hide them,

From those who resist authority.

May they understand, You control those who lead.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Resiliently Dependable, June 23, 2023

1 Chronicles 9:26

It’s hard to find agreeable,

People who are dependable!

God knows, we all need to have,

Faithful friends through good or bad.

God see how small the number,

Of those who worship in the summer!

Faithfulness in this way,

Is hard to find anywhere these days!

***

Father God, count me in,

As the faithful of Your children,

Who take the responsibilities,

Of Your calling, seriously!

We don’t want to judge the lives,

Of anyone else, but realize,

That You must strengthen us to be,

The ones with dependability!

Give us more women and men,

Upon whom we can depend,

To faithfully do what carries on,

The worship and work of the Kingdom.

Make us more responsible,

Resiliently, dependable.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


A Change of Will, June 22, 2023

Acts 5:31

Change your heart---be forgiven,

Completely free from every sin (Acts 19:31).

What causes folks to lose that trust,

Are times when God seems out of touch (Ps. 77:8).

The things we don’t quite understand,

Or if we do not feel His hand…

This is how the devil spins,

“Will He never be kind again (77:7)?”

Don’t be troubled.  God IS near,

No matter what we feel or hear.

He won’t change, but change, we must,

For ALL have sinned and need to trust!

***

Father, change our hearts today,

And grow within a deeper faith,

That people can change! Lord, we admit,

We look around and doubt it (77:10).

So many hearts are stubborn, hard,

But You say, All could come to God!

Lord, we know we do not fight,

With what we see, day or night,

But Satan’s principalities,

Are one-third, a minority!

Lord, we need that two-thirds gain (Acts 5:39),

Convict ALL hearts so they will change (5:31).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Discern When To Ignore,  June 21, 2023

Proverbs 19:11

Ducks have feathers that work to shed,

The water surrounding its body and head,

So that it cannot corrupt,

Or irritate the playful duck!

Oh, that we had skin as thick,

So negative things do not stick!

God says that we should ignored,

Insults with patience that comes from the Lord (Prov. 19:11)!

***

Father, our patience wears mighty thin,

So, help us develop thicker skin.

Encourage us so that negative talk,

Sheds right off, like water on ducks.

Keep us from rummaging through the trash,

Of those who clearly, do not have our backs.

Lord, the symptoms of another’s doing,

Cannot prevent You from proving,

Your love for us and Your affirmation,

That keeps us secure in our salvation.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

Prayer of Jabez, June 20, 2023

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez’s prayer has brought him fame!

He asks God to remove his pain (1 Chron. 4:10).

Why did his mother give him a name (4:9),

That described her own bitterness?

 

He prayed to be blessed, and blessed indeed,

And asks for God to increase,

His borders---physical property,

And God did he asked (4:10B).

 

Besides God’s blessings of more land,

He asks the Lord to stay with him,

To provide more protection,

From those who caused his hurt (4:10A)!

 

The amazing things for which he asked,

Are basic needs that everyone has!

At home within, His presence will bless,

Our relationships and our work!

***

Father, today we humbly take,

The prayer of Jabez for our own sake!

As we pray this prayer, we make,

His case for our needs too.

 

Like Jabez, Lord, help us respond,

With words and actions, prayerfully calm,

For others to know Your healing balm,

And experience blessings from You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Every Detail, June 19, 2023

Psalm 76:4

God knew these people in Chronicles,

From Adam to Abraham,

Their families, Judah, Jerameel,

And every generation (1 Chron. 1:1-2:55).

God remembers the details!

He numbered each hair on their heads.

When we read their names, we fail,

To ponder the detailed lives they led.

***

Father, Your grace has been,

Sufficient for our every need.

Your power overcomes the details of sin,

And brings us to victory.

An answer might be delayed,

But Your promises are intended,

For us not to be dismayed,

Worried, or offended (Ps. 76:7).

Increase our understanding,

That in this life we must,

Climb to higher landings,

On the details of Your promises.

You will not make us dangle,

As we follow Your intentions,

Your plan is to wonderfully handle,

Every detail in each situation.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus Name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Recognize Sin, June 18, 2023
Acts 3:26

Jesus came because of the fall,

Is to save our souls from Satan’s evil (Acts 3:26).

His blessings go unrealized,

And taken for granted, how deep, how wide,

The love of God is for each one,

Who asks forgiveness of Jesus, His Son.

Sins like jealousy, selfishness,

A critical spirit, or unforgiveness,

Are idolatry, but first things first, *

The Lord changes us, verse by verse,

By His Spirit and His Word,

We’ll be convicted to follow the Lord.

***

Lord, we take You for granted, we know,

So help us to see the unrecognized foe,

That draws us away, in the wrong direction,

Thinking we can’t reach Christian perfection.

Lord, forgive us, we can’t become,

Full of Your joy and rest on our own.

Change anything in us that allows,

Unrecognized sins that remain somehow.

Remove what’s disguise, and open our eyes (3:17),

So that we can turn from Satan’s lies (3:18).

Bless us indeed, and remove any pain,

From the unrecognized sin that remains.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

Gratitude Never Blames!  June 17, 2023

Proverbs 19:3

Slippery feelings cannot hold,

Scriptural truths about the Lord!

Angry people blame God,

For all the circumstances of,

Their own disobedience (Prov. 19:3),

That prompts a natural consequence.

One cannot think God will bless,

Angry blame, and bitterness.

God will hear us when we pray (2 Kings 22:19),

But only if we change our ways (Acts 2:41).

Christ, our sacrificial Lamb,

Forgives and makes us “born again” (Acts 2:38).

Humble hearts are glad to claim,

God’s amazing grace, not blame.

***

Father, help us recognize,

If our feelings override,

Faith in You. It’s pure evil,

To blame You or other people (2:40)!

Spirit, cleans and purify (2:38),

Sins within, believing lies,

That harden hearts into thinking,

You’re to blame for our own doing (Prov. 19:3).

Help us change as we should,

And cling to what You say is good.

Lord, we glorify Your Name,

With gratitude, never blame.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado




Empower the Church Again, June 16, 2023

Acts 2:4

When God’s people gather,

They may all look the same,

But the point of the matter,

Is that differences remain.

Even so, it’s possible,

That this great variety,

To God, is potential,

For spiritual diversity.

Like luscious fruits and vegetables,

When His Holy Spirit comes,

His power can fill us ALL,

Even with our different opinions!

***

Father, pour out Your Spirit!!

How we need to experience,

That wind, let us hear it (Acts 2:2),

Fanning flames through our differences (2:3).

Let the language of Your love,

Flow through us to our tongues,

‘Till flames from above,

Are seen on everyone!

Lord, don’t leave anyone out!

Put the devil in chains,

To remove any doubt.

That the church can be empowered again.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Discern What God Hates, June 1, 2023

1 Kings 11:11

Solomon obeys and follows the Lord,

But later, marries wives who completely ignore,

Almighty God---their idolatry,

Makes Solomon to embrace apostacy (1 Kings 11:4)!

He worships WITH them, and demonstrates,

The kind of worship that God hates.

All God gave Solomon to enjoy,

Will come to an end and be destroyed (11:11).

Learn this lesson, do not accept fraud,

Or wink and nod at every false god.

***

Father, help us not remain silent,

As culture becomes more and more defiant.

They do not want Your moral laws,

That keep them from their licentious gods.

Lord, give wisdom to young parents,

To teach their children obedience.

Help us no longer sin by neglecting,

Scripture for instruction and correcting.

Today’s children need a firm foundation,

To help them stand in a godless nation (Jn. 12:9-11)!

Help us not yield, nor participate,

In idolatry, that which You hate.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Real Tears, May 31, 2023

John 11:35

Jesus cries when we grieve (Jn. 11:35).

He understands what we need.

When having lost one so dear,

He shares the sorrow, cries real tears.

Grieving’s slow, so take the time,

To mend, and let your tears combine,

With friends and family to fill,

A cratered heart so it can heal!

***

Lord, comfort those who grieve.

Provide some answers that they need.

They are shocked and overwhelmed,

Wondering why You let them down (11:37)!

In Your Word we catch a view,

How You cried, although You knew (11:35),

That Lazarus would live again,

Still, You came and grieved with them!!

You restored his life again,

But You chose to keep this friend,

So, heavy hearts, filled with grief,

Need Your presence to believe (11:42),

That Your love will prevail,

Because Your tears are for real.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

Rest Is Promised, May 30, 2023

1 Kings 8:56

What is the meaning of rest for most people?

Peace on earth, no worries, or troubles!

Some see rest as a state of being,

Where they sense God’s anointing.

God will help us reach Kingdom goals,

Because He is All-Powerful.

We can claim this promise to Israel,

That He gives rest to all His people (1 Kings 8:56).

***

Father, You have devised a plan,

And hold our days in Your hands.

Thank You for how You give us rest,

And fulfill Your many promises.

We love You, Lord, Almighty God,

And show it by obeying Your laws (8:61).

Because of this, You will bless,

And provide for us, our promised rest!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Holy Places, May 29, 2023

John 10:42

There are places where people believe,

And the Holy Spirit is well-received.

Likewise, there are places, evil,

Frequented by ungodly people.

Jesus himself came to pay,

For the sins of everyone living today (Jn. 10:36),

Even those who live in iniquity.

He died them, not just you and me.

Some will believe when we speak,

And mark the place as a mountain peak.

This will be their mountain top,

Wherever it is, a sacred spot.

***

Father, we share in Your delight,

Of a sinner who comes to Jesus Christ.

Put us where we need to be (10:26),

To witness so others fully believe.

Hardened hearts dismiss Your Word,

And never go where it is heard.

They hide from You, but Lord, You know,

The places where they come and go.

Help us be willing to witness in spots,

That could be someone’s mountain top.

May we be willing to speak with grace,

And witness for You, no matter the place.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

 

 

Wolves and Fools, May 28, 2023

Proverbs 17:10

Wolves and fools create offenses,

Because they don’t learn from consequences (Prov. 17:10).

Solomon gives us these words of wisdom:

“It is better to tussle with a bear than with them (17:12)!”

Jesus didn’t turn and fight,

Those who tried to snuff out His light (Jn. 10:19).

He sees us as a Shepherd does (10:11);

And leads use safely to heaven above (10:15).

***

Father, help us live like You,

Wise in all we say and do.

Wisdom is our greatest need (1 Kings 3:5),

To discern, the wolves amongst the sheep.

Keep us safe in Your care.

Protect us from aggressors,

Who do not consider the consequence,

Of ignoring Your spiritual guidance.

Thank You for the fulness of life (Jn. 10:10),

Your quiet and gentle spirit in strife.

You know us well, and so we trust (10:14),

You will protect the fold for us (10:3),

From wolves and fools, cunning and bold,

Who come to kill and destroy the fold (10:5)!!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Maintaining Relationships with Friends, May 27, 2023

Proverbs 17:9

Colleagues, spouses, business partners,

All do things that can hurt one other.

Unforgiveness will burn a bridge (Prov. 17:9)!

But to maintain friendships, we must forgive.

What if they will not ask or accept?

Allow God’s Spirit to deal with that.

Jesus’ response to those against him (Jn. 9:28),

Was to cry from the cross, “Father, forgive them.”

***

Jesus, thank You for coming to save (9:39),

To heal the blind and conquer the grave.

Help us submit to Your commands,

To forgive and not burn bridges with friends.

In our own flesh, this is hard to do,

So Father, we seek the power from You.

Thank You for hope and encouragement,

Within Your Word that represents,

Living a life of forgiveness to mend,

And maintains relationships with friends (Prov. 17:9).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Who Would Enjoy Someone’s Troubles?  May 26, 2023

Proverbs 17:5-6

Christ would not hurt nor bring any shame (Prov. 17:5).

On anyone who is poor, sick, or lame.

But what about those who enjoy someone’s trouble?

Leave it to Him to bust their bubble.

As part of His Kingdom, love’s courtesy,

Weaves us together in a tapestry,

That worships and glorifies Him in life,

As vital parts of the body of Christ!

He reaches down to hold the hand,

Of those who seek to understand.

***

Father, help us to be courteous,

Because in Your eyes, each person is precious.

Keep us from the temptation to,

React, and do things we should not do.

Thank you that You are generous,

With Your Spirit that refreshes us (Ps. 68:9).

You also rain on our dry land,

With gentle winds by Your command.

Help us respond with the same degree,

Of love, respect, and courtesy,

And never enjoy someone’s troubles,

But respond with courtesy to all people.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Justice, May 25, 2023

2 Samuel 22:31

Injustice sets off a flare,

Because we want things to be fair.

God alone is without fault (2 Sam. 22:31).

And we must trust His results.

He is our strength, our rock for sure (22:47),

Today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

Christ removed sin and guilt (22:33).

Freeing us from Satan’s grip.

No more thoughts of slavery (Jn. 8:32),

But full submission is the key.

***

Father, You recognize,

Those who monopolize,

Time that quickly fades away,

Stealing hours in our day.

We should be rejoicing--- free,

Because You promise victory (2 Sam. 22:48-49).

Come, Lord Jesus, do not hide,

Nor let justice be denied.

Balance out the scales of life,

And bring resolve to weighty strife.

Come, Lord Jesus, dominate,

And ride the winds to demonstrate,

The power of Your strategies,

To help us live in victory (22:5-20).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Expectations for Leaders, May 24, 2023

2 Samuel 19:7

David must put aside his grief,

To encourage his troops and bring relief (19:14).

Leaders sometimes sorrow alone,

For the good of others, not their own.

People follow those who care,

About the burdens they must bear.

Leaders infuse hope and see,

What is best for the whole, above their own needs.

***

Lord, as we live out Your Word.

We also see when trouble occurs.

Show us our sins, where we digress.

Convict and convince us to confess (Jn. 8:11).

As faithful leaders, help us not mope,

About things offering little hope.

Make us wise to learn and hone,

Bringing others before Your throne.

As if they are our own parents or children,

Help us bring them safely into Your Kingdom.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

A Time for Grief, May 23, 2023

2 Samuel 18:33

David’s a fighter, so when in a battle,

He and his men are hard to handle (2 Sam. 16:10).

His time of peace has come and gone,

And now, he is losing another son (18:33).

David’s life is forever changed,

And nothing can stop his sadness and pain.

For any father, even a king,

Losing a son is a difficult thing.

***

Father, life is fragile, we know (2 Sam. 18:33),

And we will all face sadness and sorrow.

Help us to feel Your power in this,

Knowing You understand our anguish.

We can draw on Your compassion,

Because You lost Your only son.

Bless those who grieve in times of loss,

And may they find peace at the foot of the cross.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Speak the Truth, May 22, 2023

Psalm 66:9-10 & John 7:7

God knows who is loyal to Him,

Those who have confessed their sin.

He protects every part (Ps. 66:9),

As He lives within the heart (66:10).

The Holy Spirit intends to bless,

And bring us through every test.

Insulated from the fire (Ps. 66:12),

We benefit from His power.

The world hates our Lord because (Jn. 7:7),

He tells of the evil things it does.

Speak the truth and share these things,

To bring honor to our King (7:18).

***

Spirit, fill our hearts today,

To hear the truth of what You say.

Help us dare to share Your Word,

Because Your enemies hate You, Lord.

Thank You, we will have enough,

Protection, when they aim at us (Ps. 66:12).

We will praise and loudly sing (66:8),

Because You give us good things (66:12),

From Your heavenly stores above (66:9),

When we speak the truth in love.

 In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado * and Prayers that Avail Much

Ponder This, May 21, 2023

2 Samuel 14:14

We all must die, everyone!

Some will rise when Jesus comes.

But just like water spilled on the ground,

Once dead, we won’t come back (2 Sam. 14:14)!

 

We should not let anger fester,

Churning within to make us bitter;

What flows out is bad behavior,

So pour it out, just like that!

 

***

Father, sometimes it takes many years,

To heal a hurt and dry the tears,

But when a scar reappears,

Remind us, we are Your temple.

 

Like a soothing, balm or cream,

Spirit, lessen the scars and clean,

Our hearts, so we are free, redeemed,

For use, as Your vessel!

 

Life is short, so today, we ponder,

Eternal life with You up yonder,

Where no one ever stops to ponder,

What to do about evil!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Beware of Mocking God, May 20, 2023

2 Samuel 12:14

God is mocked when we disobey,

Because others see it and turn away (2 Sam. 12:14).

David’s example of sinning in secret,

Is revealed and punished because God sees it.

Not only does sin affect David’s life,

But that of his child by Bathsheba, his wife.

She might have been just a pawn in his hand,

So, in God’s mercy, she gives birth again (12:24).

Yes, God gives them another son,

Who will be the wise King Solomon.

Do not be guilty of outright defiance!

Secret sins mock our sacred alliance.

***

Lord, help us live lives free from sin,

Because it affects those we’re trying to win (12:14).

It causes Your enemies to disrespect,

The “Truth and the Life” we’re supposed to project.

David’s sinful manipulations,

Lead to death and humiliation.

Help us escape, without or within,

Any situations that tempt us to sin.

Father, may we never give thought,

To doing anything You say we should not.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 

Kind and Pleasant Hearts Make Better Teachers, May 19, 2023

Proverbs 16:21

Having a heart for God is a must,

To be a kind person and gain people’s trust.

David reached out to Jonathan’s son,

And did what no other king would have done!

He showed kindness to the family (2 Sam. 9:3),

Of Saul, who chased him like an enemy.

Though Saul tried to kill David, several times,

David made a promise to be kind (2 Sam. 23:18)!

Kindness and genuine pleasantries (Prov. 10:21),

Help others learn from us easily.

Jesus took time to teach His disciples,

And fed multitudes using miracles (Jn. 6:19-12).

Compassionately, he cared for their needs,

In ways that cannot be done, humanly.

Being kind to one another, is a command,

And we are wise if we understand (Prov. 16:21).

***

Father, thank You for Your pleasant love,

That invites us into Your courts above (Ps. 65:4)!

We experience kindness through answered prayer (65:5),

And that out of Your abundance, we can share.

In miraculous ways, You come through (Jn. 6:7),

To accelerate answers, we need from You (6:11).

With pleasant kindness, help us disarm,

The traps set by Satan to cause us harm.

Fill our hearts with kindness, we pray,

So we can be better teachers each day.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Not Scared, May 18, 2023

John 5:27-29

There are people whose tongues are like swords (Ps. 64:3),

They shoot bitter words behind closed doors (64:3-4),

Reacting proudly, and unafraid (64:4),

They encourage others to act the same way (64:5).

The human mind needs to be fed!

Feed it with scripture, and it will be led,

By God, speaking His words of life,

To prepare us for the judgment of Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:29).

The Son of God knows what to judge (5:30).

His goal is to please the Father above.

God’s Spirit gives believers a hunger for Him,

To feed on His Word that convicts us of sin.

Only those who believe will hear (5:37),

His call to be judged, without any fear (5:29).   

***

Father, we believe in Christ, Your Son,

That He will judge us when He comes.

But Lord, there are some who do not consider,

That their works on earth will be tested by fire (Prov. 16:18).

Guide and direct us as Ambassadors,

Of the peace and goodness found in Your Word (Ps. 64:10).

Thank You for how You wrap us in grace,

To be judged, “not guilty” when we meet face to face.

Your quiet confidence wells up within,

When we feed on scripture that keeps us from sin.

 Lord, help us to be so prepared,

To stand in Your presence, rejoicing… not scared.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Contented As If… May 17, 2023

Psalm 63:5

Contentment is quite a challenge,

Because life can get so off balanced.

In worship, we sense God’s power (Ps. 63:2),

Like drinking a cool glass of water.

But later, we are dry as can be,

And again, thirst for His strength and glory (63:1).

Contentment is a choice;

While complaining, we cannot rejoice.

***

Lord, we come to Your table,

And Your Word makes us able,

To choose contentment, as if,

The best foods have passed through our lips (63:5).

Meditating on Your Word night and day (63:6),

Helps us choose to rejoice and give praise,

For Your worthy, holy attributes,

That inhabit us when contentment we choose.

Lord, those who have different opinions (2 Sam. 6:21),

Can shake our confidence, and cause division,

So help us choose contentment, and lift,

Our minds toward You, and not forget,

To praise You and lift our hands,

Trusting, by prayer and petition (Phil. 4:6),

That Your right hand supports us each day (Ps. 63:8),

And contentment is a choice we make.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Turn It Over To Our Rock, May 16, 2023

Psalm 62:6

Live in hope and rest in the Lord (Ps. 62:5),

He is our Rock, our solid support.

We are saved when we depend (62:5),

Upon the Lord who rewards and defends (62:12).

Trusting in force or stealing is wrong (62:10,

But instead, just trust that He is strong (62:11).

Our honor and salvation come,

From God, our rock and salvation (62:6).

Patiently pray, then wait upon Him.

He will solve the problems (62:8).

***

Father God, when we face offenses,

Thank You, that You defend us,

And reward the good we do (62:12),

When we turn it over to You (Jn. 4:51-53).

Give us faith to go our way (4:53)

Trusting You to do what You say.

Instead of losing sleep over things,

Struggling with all that can’t be changed,

Lord, we turn our thoughts over to,

Our Rock, Our salvation, Our Defender---You (Ps. 62:5-6).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

No More Doubt, May 15, 2023

John 4:26

Having not seen Him, Blessed are they,

Who believe in Jesus anyway (Jn. 20:29)!”

Jesus knows the hard proposition,

For humans to believe in Him.

The woman wasn’t sure at the well,
What He claimed, but ran to tell (4:26),

Everyone, “Come and see!”

But did she believe in His Deity?

How can we know what is real,

When He is not tangible?

This Man who lived so long ago,

Left earth with nothing to show,

But a crown of thorns and some nails,

And a promise: His love never fails (Lam. 3:22).

He reveals to each one,

Who believe that Jesus Is God’s Son (Jn. 3:16)!!

***

Jesus, You know we are flesh!

Thus, You have promised that we are the blessed!

If those who saw You, face to face,

Couldn’t believe, with prophesy traced,

Then how much more difficult today,

Is it for people to believe You’re the Way!!

We know that You’ve changed us within.

We’ve experienced freedom from sin.

Lord, remove any doubt,

That Your power will work all things out!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Share and Share Alike, May 14, 2023

1 Samuel 30:24

Before David is king,

His enemies steal his things,

His wives and his cattle,

While he is away at battle (1 Sam. 30:3).

David takes his strongest men (30:4),

And prays for God to go with them (30:8).

He pursues them and attacks,

And gets everything back (30:18).

Within ten verses we see,

God uses the slave of the enemy,

To lead them, help them trace (30:16).

The enemy’s hiding place.

As the troops return, together,

David has some “troublemakers (30:22),”

Will want to keep all the treasures!

Not sharing with their brothers.

But David says those left behind,

Will share the same kind,

Of reward, just like the rest (30:24).

Because they were weak and depressed.

***

Father, help us pray in Your Spirit,

For the right way to interpret,

Your Word, with revelation,

Not righteous indignation!

Those who will not share,

Do not adequately care,

That the very least of Your concerns,

Is how MUCH we have or earn!!

You’re our Father, who loves His children,

Helping with every burden.

Lord, forgive us for our greed,

And not helping those in need.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

 

We Give Glory to God, May 13, 2023

John 3:21

Certainly, when the miraculous happens,

Like if doctors can’t give a reason,

When cancer suddenly goes into remission,

We give glory to God!

 

There’s not enough gas for our destination,

Yet, somehow, we coast to a gas station,

Then there’s the miracle of having our children…

We give glory to God!

 

Those who follow the truth will treat (Jn. 3:21),

Others with kindness through how they speak.

God’s spirit produces fruit, spiritually sweet,

And we give glory to God!

 

***

Jesus, You have shown such love for creation,

When the Word became flesh for our salvation.

You suffered the cross, which makes the world question,

Was this really of God?

 

Unthinkable! This plan for Your crucifixion,

So that we could receive complete redemption,

Making us fit to be part of Your Kingdom! *

For this, we give glory to God!!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

Genuinely Nice, May 12, 2023

1 Samuel 26:24

David declines opportunity,

To take the life of his enemy (1 Sam. 26:9).

He has deep respect for God’s appointed,

Even though, he is the anointed!

David, the next King, full of the Spirit,

Respects King Saul, who does not deserve it!

He understands that an innocent heart,

Does not undertake God’s sacred part,

Of judgment for those who disobey,

Jealous and proud, unafraid.

They’ll be alone to face their troubles (26:24);

A consequence of hurting others (Prov. 16:4)!

***

Father, we desire a life,

Of respect, through the power of Jesus Christ.

Lord, fill our hearts with Your Spirit’s control,

So we’re innocent and respectful (26:9).

Lord, there’s a generation emerging,

That has no respect for Your anointing.

Remove from us, anything that resembles,

Prideful gain, or improper example,

Of the kind, gentle spirit we have in Christ,

That shows respect---genuinely nice.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

Trust Each Hour, May 11, 2023

Proverbs 16:1

We are God’s own dependents,

For whom He is responsible!

Our Father, selfless, generous,

Walks with us through troubles (Ps. 60:4).

He changes circumstances,

In the twinkling of an eye,

And miraculously manages,

What we can’t abide (1 Sam. 24:12).

Thank God for His Power,

And try to understand,

We can trust each hour,

Into our Father’s hands (Ps. 60:5).

***

Father God, You bless us,

With fruits of righteousness.

What dares to come against us,

Must pass through Your defense (1 Sam. 24:15).

Lift us out of prisons,

Any shackles, loose!

And let us feel the freedom,

Of complete trust in You.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Recognize Him, May 8, 2023

Luke 24:21

The two on the road to Emmaus share,

Their hopes with Jesus, though, unaware,

It is He, but then, their hearts burn within (Luke 24:31-32),

And their eyes are opened to recognize Him.

They talk of the cross, but they have no clue,

They are witnessing Christ’s resurrection too (24:22-23).

They had hoped the Messiah would free them from Rome,

But the big picture is a big unknown!

There’s a heavenly kingdom that has no end,

And everything changes when they recognize Him (24:34)!

***

Jesus, please explain the Scriptures to us,

And put new hope, and life in our hearts;

Just as You did on the road to Emmaus,

Lord, let our us burn with Your powerful Spirit!

That same Spirit, poured out on King Saul,

To change not only him, but all,

His soldiers, as they sought to kill (1 Sam. 20-24),

David, Your servant, against Your will.

Lord, You hold the universe,

And the cross removed death’s dark curse!

So as we live and breathe today,

We ask for discernment to mark the way,

And recognize You in events and scripture,

Seeing more of eternity’s picture.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Darkness Cannot Overpower The Light, May 10, 2023

John 1:5

Jesus, our Savior, God’s Word, and Light,

Cannot be outdone by the darkness of night (Jn. 1:5).

Nothing can cover His shining face,

And no one can override His grace!

He controls the stars, the sun,

No matter if ignored by humans (1:10).

We do not change what He has planned;

His light will uncover, more than we can,

To chase the darkness, so remember,

That Jesus intercedes, now and forever.

There’s not a balance of darkness and light,

Because the day, outweighs the night.

***

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Who You are,

The Word, Creator of sun, moon, and stars,

The dark of night and the light of day,

Plus, You intercede for us when we pray (Ps. 59:9).

Thank You, no matter, how dark it might get,

We know You are working for our benefit.

The assignment for us is to turn to You,

And search Your Word, to discover, Who,

You are!  And then, we understand,

Nothing outshines the Son of Man.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much

We Love Only as We Love Ourselves, May 9, 2023

1 Samuel 20:17 & Proverbs 15:32

People are different as night and day!

Some can’t care less about what others say,

And then there are some, who attack and run,

At the slightest hint of correction.

David fills his Psalms with prayers,

With no mercy at all for traitors (Ps. 59: 1-5);

But Solomon touches more on the source:

People who hate, don’t respect the Lord (Prov. 15:31-33).

They rail at correction and despise reproof,

Letting their own self-hatred shine through.

This mask grows thicker and tougher with years,

To hide their pain and plug up their tears.

Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

Can breathe love into a self-hater’s life (Luke 24:45).

***

Father, we see it is best to obey,

Help us keep Your commandments each day.

For when we do, we honor Your Name,

And Your Spirit in us changes everything.

May You give peace to those who despise,

Themselves!  They just don’t realize,

That the love of God is greater than,

The love they can offer as, human!!

We honor You Lord, and show our respect,

By submitting to each other in love, and yet (Prov. 15:33),

We need protection under Your wings (Ps. 59:3),

To live with joy and be a witness to them.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

 

Choose Hell or Paradise, May 7, 2023

Luke 23:42-43

The Lord’s last words before He died,

Are to comfort others and prophesy (Luke 23:28).

“Don’t cry for me, but for yourselves,

Cry for your children and everyone else.”

He spoke of the future Jerusalem,

When people will say to the mountains,

“Fall on us,” wanting to die (23:30),

And as we read it, we question, “Why?”

Why would He talk about the future,

While He’s enduring such horrible torture?

Eternity matters! He wants all to make,

The right decision, for eternity’s sake!

***

Father, all that we need is in You.

Our healing, our peace, our security too. *

Lord, we are cleansed because You died,

So that we can eternally be by Your side.

You knew the future for those at the cross:

Invasion, death, suffering and loss.

Your heart and mind are centered upon,

Eternity that will come like the dawn.

We must decide!  Our free will can toss,

Us in heaven or hell, like the thieves on the cross.

We seek Your forgiveness, and recognize,

We must choose hell or paradise (23:43).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much.

God’s Records, May 5, 2023

Psalm 56:8

God keeps a journal, He jots it all down,

Tears are caught before hitting the ground (Ps. 56:8),

And when we call, we believe in His might (56:10-11),

He will guide us and empower us to carry the light (56:13).

We don’t want to stumble, crash and burn,

So we trust in the promises we have learned.

We meditate on them, day, and night (Joshua 1:8),

And we’re confident, He will make all things right.

***

Thank You, Lord, our sins are forgiven,

And from Your records, You have removed them.

You bottle our tears, and document,

The troubles that we cannot prevent!

You reward our efforts to walk by faith,

And strengthen us to grow in grace.

There is nothing anyone can do,

That will alter our purpose, ordained by You (56:13).

You give each one of us, unique skills,

So help us study, practice and build.

Thank You that You are on our side (56:9), *

And shield us from angry, dangerous pride,

Of those who see us as competition,

Instead of seeking peaceful solutions.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *

 

God Interferes!  May 4, 2023

Luke 22:31-32

When Satan asks to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31)!

Jesus prays so we won’t skip a beat (22:32).

Satan must ask for permission,

Before he gets to us with temptation.

God has control in ways we don’t see,

When we are attacked by the enemy.

Jesus Christ has his Father’s ear!

And intercedes so God interferes!

***

Father, we sense Satan wants to sift us!

Please hear our prayers for rightful resistance.

The enemy’s ploys and attacks create,

Drama, division, jealousy, and hate (Luke 22:23).

Our resolve is to put You first,

Pour out Your Spirit that quenches our thirst,

To understand and know You more,

As a loving Father, Savior, and Lord.

You want to help us in all that we do (1 Sam. 10:7).

You intercede and always come through,

To help us with strength and power to escape,

Any temptations Satan creates (10:8).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

A Matter of Time, May 3, 2023

1 Samuel 8:8 & Proverbs 15:15

Our human nature began in the garden,

Where hearts toward God were decidedly hardened.

If we ignore God’s commands,

He will respond with reprimands (Lk. 22:22).

Hearts must not become hard or bitter,

And neglect His Word, His Lord and Savior.

We look at the problems all about,

And expect prayers answered when we cry out (1 Sam. 8:7),

But God has a plan for change and growth,

While He tends and waters the seeds He sows.

We get impatient and want things now,

Without trusting God to show us how,

To linger in prayer, fasting and faith,

And wait on His plan to unfold with grace.

***

Father, forgive us! We don’t WAIT on You.

We’re impatient and our nature pokes through!

Don’t let our hearts become harden toward,

A willingness to wait on You, Lord.

Help us not judge, rearrange, nor reject,

Your Word, because “it” hasn’t happened yet!

While looking at “it” we lose sight of You,

And we go back to doing what we always do (1 Sam. 8:8)!

Don’t allow us rebel, reject, work against,

But rather, wait on Your defense (8:21-22)!

Give us happy hearts that stay focused on Christ (Prov. 15:15),

And not on that which is causing the strife.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible and devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *

Victory is Near! May 2, 2023

Luke 21:26

People with understanding seek more (Prov. 15:14),

Wisdom and knowledge from the Lord…

More of HIS unchanging perspective,

More of HIS guidance and HIS directives (Luke 21:28)!

He gives us options and ways to proceed,

To move through the day in absolute peace.

Transitions become smooth and painless,

When we focus on HIS forgiveness.

Even when we would rather fly,

Away from all the troubles of life (Ps. 55:6-8),

We can look up, because we’re prepared,

Knowing that our victory is near (Luke 21:26).

***

Lord, today, we need Your refreshing,

Because evil is so depressing!

Our goal is to give You constant praise,

And not be affected by this age (Ps. 92:13-14).

But Father, though we’ve been planted by You,

To flourish and always provide good fruit,

We struggle to maintain Your love and peace,

When so many “Christians” do not believe (55:2-3)!

Church turbulences, harsh and evil,

Make it difficult to “live” the gospel.

Give us more freedom to gladly share,

Victory is coming… but we must be prepared (Luke 21:28).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Honor What is Holy, April 30, 2023

1 Samuel 2: 30

Honor comes with humble submission,

Not succession, or tradition (Luke 20:36)!

Those of us whom God has called,

Must not wink, but be appalled,

At evil around us to protect,

The sanctity of worship (1 Sam. 2:30).

Those who teach, preach, and lead,

Must have a greater loyalty (Luke 20:47),

To all the sacred things of God,

Who shares His honor from above.

He provides for our success,

And judges all with righteousness (1 Sam. 2:9).

***

Father, You demand loyalty (Luke 20:46),

From those who hold spiritual authority.

Help us never more neglect,

Coming together in proper worship (Prov. 15:8).

If fools do evil and terrible things (Ps. 53:1),

To make things holy to You, unclean (1 Sam. 2:29),

Help us be responsible,

So we won’t lose our own souls!

You’ve said, those who remain silent,

Will experience punishment (1 Sam. 3:13).

Lord, make us stronger to be,

Loyal to honor what is holy.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

 

God’s Love is Experienced Daily, April 29, 2023

Psalm 52:8-9

God is sincere about His claims,

That when we ask, in His Name,

He answers us to strengthen our stand,

Especially when facing opposition (Luke 20:5).

We don’t have to worry whose side He’s on,

Like those who use trick questions (20:3 &24)!

Cold, stony hearts, insincere (20:20),

Do not want to study scripture!

The fact is, God showers down,

His love for all His children.

He doesn’t hide or ignore,

Those who are heirs to Christ the Lord!

His love is not just Words on a page,

It’s experienced, every single day.

***

Lord, we can give many examples,

Of how You shower love on Your people.

The grace and goodness that You give,

Deserve our thanks every day we live!

We know that when we take a stand,

For Christian principals in our land,

Satan will strike out, like a snake,

But You protect us, for Your Name’s sake (Luke 20:18)!

While we are living, we will receive,

Our inheritance to meet our needs.

Thank You for this knowledge and more,

As part of experiencing Your love, Oh Lord (Ps. 52:8-9)!

Praise be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado, and Prayers that Avail Much *

Just Continue, April 28, 2023

Ruth 2:8

God substitutes what He won’t tell us,

With, “Child just continue to trust.

Continue to follow close behind,

Whomever I’ve put you with at this time (Ruth 2:8).”

We have no way of knowing,

Where to go unless we’re following!

Continue to trust the Lord,

Because He’s promised to reward (2:12),

And shelter us under His wings,

To provide us with every good thing.

***

Your love, Oh Lord, continues,

Far beyond our own venues (Ps. 52:1).

Keep us from taking a fall,

As we follow Your beckoning call!

Reveal what You have for us,

And we will continue to trust,

Because You have set us free,

And provide our perfect peace.

The view gets obstructed at times,

And the goal is not always well defined,

But help us to just continue,

To follow and focus on You (Ruth 2:8).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

The Power of God’s Compassion! April 27, 2023

Luke 19:10

What is precious in God’s eyes?

A pure heart, no deceit, no lies!

No guilty shame can live within,

The life for whom He has forgiven (Ps. 51:10).

His Word helps purify our hearts,

While faith deflects Satan’s darts.

God can mend what is broken,

With the power of His compassion (51:17).

We will not find, apart from Him,

The strength to fight temptation.

He never rejects sincerity (51:17),

But responds compassionately.

***

Father, You see everything (Prov. 15:3),

What evil does to trick or sting,

But we won’t cease to praise Your Name,

Because to You, our worth won’t change.

Let righteousness replace what’s battered,

Repairing what’s been torn or shattered (Ex. 15:6).

You honor those who trust Your Word,

And stay in faith when things are hard.

Lord, we can never thank You enough,

For the compassion You pour over us (Luke 19:10).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Victors, Nothing To Lose, April 26, 2023

Luke 18:27

Satan stirs arguments, details distorted,

Working so all our dreams are aborted.

Christian, rest assured that God will prove,

We are the victors with nothing to lose (Luke 18:27)!

Our Master loves to take something old,

Restart, refresh, restore, remold,

And bring about our visions in life,

Because all things are possible, through Christ!

The enemy aims at godly dreams,

And goes about clipping wings. *

But God’s guidance, wise and true (Ps. 51:6),

Makes us victors with nothing to lose (Luke 18:29).

***

Father, place in us Your Kingdom,

While yet alive, increase our wisdom (Prov. 14:35).

Bitter people stir up fog,

Eyeing splinters from behind a log.

Protect us Lord, from clippers of wings,

And for Your sake, do a new thing!

Our visions and dreams come from You,

Being creative is what You love too.

Father, Creator, daily, we choose,

To be victors with nothing to lose!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado *


 

Faithful Love! April 25, 2023

Luke 18:7

Samson’s way of justice,

Is too rough for us!

His very last prayer,

Was not about his hair!

God hears our prayers too,

To do what we can’t do.

Justice, payback, more (Judges 16:28)!

He provides, for sure (Luke 8:7).

***

Father, You are just,

Full of faithful love.

You make springs appear (15:19),

When we cry in prayer (Luke 18:1).

Lord, give us a feast,

Of justice, grace, and peace.

Let anger, resentment, or pressure,

Be replaced in measure,

With things that are fair,

In answer to our prayers (18:8)!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and prayer by Stormie Omartian. *

 

God’s Kingdom… A Twinkle?  April 24, 2023

Luke 17:20-21

What is God’s Kingdom in our lives?

A shining twinkle in our eyes.

God’s Spirit within, does not look back,

But helps forgive what’s in the past.

Redeeming love, God’s perfect plan,

Brings peace to those who belong to Him.

His light adds great stability,

Within our eyes that others see.

***

Heavenly Father, Precious Lord,

Your light in us is a powerful force.

It shines to make our own path clear,

While bringing comfort to others, near.

Empower us with each new dawn,

So we’ve no fear of what’s to come.

Your Kingdom has no sense of lack,

To move us forward, never back.

Lord, as we watch and wait,

For Your coming, don’t be late (Lk. 50:24)!

Meanwhile, Your Kingdom lies,

As a twinkle in our eyes.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Honoring God Is Our Calling, April 23, 2023

Psalm 50:15

God shows up in many ways,

To prove, He controls each day (Judges 11:23)!

Yet, our Father gives us leave,

To pray and ask for what we need (Ps. 50:15).

When we think, “This is mine!”,

His still small voice comes to mind (50:9-10),

“Child, at the end of the day,

All you have can be taken away!”

Thus, we serve as servants should (Luke 17:10);

Doing all God says is good.

Thankfully, acknowledging (Luke 17:17),

All honor to God, our calling.

***

Lord, You own my gifts and time,

My very breath is yours, not mine.

I honor You, knowing our rank,

As servants, without special thanks (17:9)!

Thanks be to God! Our passion is,

To praise You for each day we live.

Let the world clearly see,

The honor we give You, exclusively.

In Your Name and for Your sake,

We proclaim, “God is Great!”,

May we light the world with change,

As those who honor Jesus’ Name.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Forever Circle of Friends, April 22, 2023

Luke 16:9

God gives us good friends to trust.

In small groups, He places us,

To have communication with,

Family, friends, and acquaintances.

Because God loves His daughters/sons,

On earth as in His Kingdom,

He wants us to have mutual respect,

To avoid rifts and conflicts.

Honoring others, forgiving them too,

Is what ALL Christians are called to do!

Then, when we need a helping hand (Luke 16:9),

God provides it, through our circle of friends.

***

Lord, thank You for friends who love us,

And do not criticize us nor judge us.

Thank You for shoulders upon which,

We can lean… strong relationships.

Help us have Divine discernment, *

To give and receive encouragement,

To and from those whom we pass,

Knowing, not all relationships last.

Inspire, mold, strengthen and bless,

Our forever circle of friendships.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayer by Stormie Omartian *


God Will Save, April 21, 2023

Psalm 49:15

Just as God told Gideon,

“You only need a few good men.”

Likewise, He wants you and me,

To trust Him, completely (Judges 7:2)!

Trust that He will guide you,

And remove your fear too (7:21).

Proof of the victory,

Much like Gideon’s fleece (6:40),

Happens to help inspire,

And show us, God’s power.

***

Jesus, YOU must increase,

And WE, must decrease,

So Your power and might,

Can strengthen us to fight (7:15),

Evil, not overwhelmed,

And never overcome!

With each sunrise we see (Judges 6 & 7),

Your resurrection power beautifully.

Let our circle grow much wider,

Influencing the lives of others,

To not be undone!

Because, we’ve already won (Ps. 49:15)!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

God Is More Than Enough, April 20, 2023

Judges 6:14

Have courage and strength!  Life is tough (Judge 6:14),

But God will always be MORE THAN enough!

When we think that we are not proficient,

His promises are MORE THAN sufficient (6:23)!

He says to us, “I will be with you (6:16),”

Even in the most complicated issues!

No matter the unsurmountable odds,

We’ve more proof than those who don’t believe in God!

***

Father, Gideon was much in need,

Of faith to conquer his anxiety.

You dissolved his fear and replaced it,

With the confidence of Your Holy Spirit.

The faith we need to complete any task,

Is already promised, much more than we ask!

You give MORE THAN we deserve every time,

Because You are immeasurably kind.

Lord, we need MORE THAN enough,

Grace to forgive, and grow back the trust,

That’s been destroyed by others who,

Do not have any time for You.

Forgiveness is sometimes, MORE THAN we (Luke 15:10),

Can muster within to forgive unkind deeds.

So, Lord, we could use a miracle,

More than we see as possible.

Time is short and eternity long,

So MORE THAN anything, make our faith strong.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado and Prayers that Avail Much *


Today Is the Day!  April 19, 2023

Judges 4:14

Friend, get up! Today IS the day,

That God will come and lead the way (Judges 3:14).

What’s happened before does not define,

God’s great plan, over time.

Even our Lord experienced loss,

And felt alone on that cross!

Christians! We have the end of the story!

Jesus IS coming back in glory!

Likewise, we can get up and say,

“Rejoice! Get up!  Today is the day” (Judges 3:14)!

God is God, forever and ever (Ps. 48:14),

And things will work out for the better.

***

Father, we have seen and heard (48:8),

How You always keep Your Word.

As we get up and go today,

Your favor is out there, lining the way (48:10).

Everywhere, Your Name is known,

And goodness flows from Your throne.

There will be painful moments too,

But they just make us stronger in You.

Praise be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Get Out There!  April 18, 2023

Luke 14:23

Stay calm!  Don’t fall apart!

God still changes minds and hearts!

Take the time to widen the gate (Prov. 14:17),

Problem-solve and fix mistakes (Luke 14:5).

Then invite ALL to come in,

Better yet, go out and get them!

God wants the rich and poor,

And continues to knock at each heart’s door.

Let the Spirit be your guide,

And stop trying to decide:

“Whom shall I invite?”

When the entire world needs light!

***

Father, our steps are ordered,

So that we are not passed over.

Help us do better at sharing Your light (14:11),

As recruiters who “get out there” and invite!

Bless us with this temperament,

That is cool, calm, and content,

Graceful, always meek, and mild,

Understanding… this is how,

The lost are drawn unto You!

Lord, just help us follow through,

And daily, keep this in mind,

To invite one person at a time.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Remind Yourself, April 17, 2023

Joshua 24:27

Be strong!  Never cease to follow (Joshua 23:6),

God’s laws and teachings in the Bible!

All good things come to us (23:15),

When we choose to fully trust,

What God promised to Israel,

He promises for ALL His people (24:14)!

Find ways to remind yourself!

Set up a stone or a memory shelf (Joshua 24:27).

Don’t allow your thoughts to be,

Anything other than giving God glory!

If pride guides us, it will show;

We won’t see it, but others know!

***

Father, We give our respect,

And trust Your Word without regrets (24:14).

See our loyal, sincere faith,

And guide us with each choice we make.

Send good opportunities,

And open doors for us to see,

This choice always wields results,

Beyond what we can do ourselves (24:15),

If we choose to turn our backs,

And run the rat race of the pack,

We will miss our heart’s desire,

And never know Your anointing power (Luke 13:35).

Lord, hear our praise to You (Ps. 47:1),

Declaring the mighty works You do!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace For the Moment Daily Bible

 

Promises Kept, April 16, 2023

Joshua 21:45

Are you in a boat on stormy seas,

With winds blowing violently?

Don’t waste your time looking down,

Steer t’ward a light on solid ground!

Putting blame on one another,

Is like staring at choppy water!

No, we must keep moving on,

Toward that light on solid ground!

***

Father, storms stir up so fast,

But You can calm their chilling blasts.

You know all that which affects us,

And You HAVE PROMISED to protect us (46:7 & 11).

With Your help, we do what we can,

Not to seek the approval of man.

Sometimes, the boat gets stuck upon,

Sandbars, close to solid ground.

But, Satan cannot spoil Your plans (Luke 13:17)!

We trust You for our promised land.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

Just As If, April 15, 2023

Luke 12:32

What could be better than this?

God looks at us just as if,

We will inherit His heavenly throne…

Even now, we have total access!

 

We move ahead without fear (Luke 12:32),

For the coming of Christ is near (12:54)!

If we are dressed and ready to serve,

We’ll receive our heart’s desire.

 

Exactly what treasure is this?

A life that we live, just as if,

We’ve no need to worry, instead,

We are led by the Holy Spirit.

***

Father, we’ll inherit Your throne,

With sights beyond what we’ve known.

Right now, You are holding to,

Your promise that heaven is home.

 

Thank You for Your loving kindness!

Lord, when You come, may You find us (12:43),

Taking care of Your work, just as if,

It’s our own, without need to remind us.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Move & Look Forward to Tomorrow!  April 14, 2023

Luke 12: 31

We all have a need, a trial, a prayer,

That helps to refine our faith.

God says to give Him our every care,

And HE will give us more grace.

Never forget, “You are much more,

More than the little sparrows (Luke 12:7 & 24),

More than the lilies in the fields (12:28),

So, look forward to tomorrow!

***

Father, we spend way too much time,

Trying to plan and figure,

Itemizing our nickels and dimes,

While You see a much bigger picture!

Lord, You’ve always been so good to us,

Because we are worth much more,

More than these meager frames of dust,

Could ever dream or hope for!

So, we will cast our cares upon You,

And seek first Your Kingdom, Lord (12:31).

By faith, we pray that You will do,

What is best, as we move forward.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


Light Up Your World!  April 13, 2023

Luke 11:36

From ages past ‘til the end of time,

God empowers His people to shine (Luke 11:30)!

This light, His Spirit, can be seen (Luke 11:33),

Through eyes of love and understanding!

Once connected no one intends,

To cut off the power coming to them!

Electricity for cooling or warming,

Can be disrupted without warning (11:35)!

Likewise, storms of life crush lines,

Of faith that power hearts and minds!

Oh, be careful! Spiritually,

To keep this connection of power free,

From entanglements that over time,

Threaten to cut the powerlines.

***

Father, we want to be Your light,

That shines in the darkest night,

But Lord, the enemy comes in a way,

That interferes with the power of praise!

Protect us, keep spiritual bad weather,

From cutting off our source of power!

Keep our lights bright, never off,

No matter, the storm, the gain or loss.

Power us with Jesus’ energy,

Like a neon sign for all to see (Luke 11:29).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado



Time Well Spent, April 12, 2023

Joshua 14:9

Caleb is a very a very old man,

When God tells him to take more land (Josh. 13:1)!

Likewise, God gives us new commissions,

No matter how old… if we will listen!

We’ve things to do at every stage,

To “seize the day” no matter our age!

He will strengthen us for each task,

And meet our needs… whatever we ask (Luke 11:11-13)!

He sets no limits on what we can do,

Each morning His power is fresh and new!

***

Lord, we believe that as we get older (11:9),

Our faith and our prayers should be much bolder!

So, like Caleb, in faith, we come,

With confidence to win all battles, not some (Josh. 14:9).

Our victories today are spiritual warfare,

In which we fight with fervent prayer.

Lord, give us the Holy Ghost (Lk 11:13),

So we can do what YOU want most!

Increase our faith and confidence,

So that each stage of our lives is well spent. 

Thanks be to God! 

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

No More Neighbor Neglect!  April 11, 2023

Luke 10:36-37

We live in a world where we don’t know our neighbors,

Too busy! We pass as total strangers!

Everyone tries to be friendly, and yet,

Our schedules and fences breed neighbor neglect (Luke 10:35).

Instead of being good Samaritans,

We have too many important destinations!

Just like Martha, work zaps our time (10:40),

And worship is the furthest thing from our minds!

We would rather be DOING something, indeed,

Other than SITTING at Jesus’ feet.

***

Lord, we have so many things to do,

But we must guard our time with You.

Give us the energy to get things done,

And still have time for neighbors and loved ones (Prov. 14:1).

We need Your spirit of mercy to see,

People as eternal souls in need,

Of Your saving grace, because You create,

Beautiful people---not mistakes.

Grow us in mercy to share the Gospel,

With neighbors, strangers… as many as possible.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

 

Through Us, April 10, 2023

Psalm 44:3

God’s power comes through those whom He loves (Ps. 44:3).

He’ll even stop the sun above,

To give us all the time we need (Josh. 10:14));

So that through us, He brings victory.

Before we go into new places,

Our blessings there are never wasted;

If people refuse to accept our peace (10:16),

It comes right back to us as we leave!

Through us, people hear God’s Word,

And see the greatness of the Lord (10:18).

It is not because we are all that much,

But because our God is working through us.

***

Lord, we are never outsourced,

Nor can the evil ever force (Ps. 44:3),

Greater power than Yours that comes through,

Everything we say and do.

Your power is “On Demand (Luke 10:17),”

When our lives are in Your hands.

We praise You for all that You do,

Through those who are surrendered to You.

Lord, handle the issues that we cannot,

Like making the sun and moon stop (Josh. 10:13)!

And You know we will give You all the praise,

As You work through us in miraculous way.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


 Hope Covered Optimism!  April 9, 2023

Luke 9:62

God defends us, argues our case (Ps. 43:1),

And He does it for His own Name’s sake (Josh. 7:9)!

When we see nothing but worrisome facts (Ps. 43:4),

Jesus reminds us, “Look forward, not back (Luke 9:62)!”

God navigates each situation,

And give us hope covered optimism.

Good people will find happiness (Prov. 13:22A),

Blessing, victory, and success (Josh. 8:1)!”

Hope in the Lord and continue to praise,

And expect Him to always light the way (Ps. 43:3).

We are His and He will bless,

All who follow without looking back (Luke 9:62).”

***

Father, You are right here with us.

Proving daily that we can trust,

All our worries, lay them down,

Leave them behind for higher ground.

Lord, the slightest regret just might,

Hinder our progress and make us lose sight,

Of the vision ahead, You’ve put in our minds,

But turning back won’t help us find,

The new thing You are about to do!

So, we won’t look back, Lord, we’re following You (9:62).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible and devotional by Max Lucado

Holy Ground Is Worth Giving Everything,  April 8, 2023

Luke 9:23

God’s plan evolves over time for us.

Our commitment to Him includes we adjust (Luke 9:23),

To what’s on God’s docket and not our own list.

Because worldly desires are…  worthless (9:24)!

Do not hold tightly to your plans,

Instead, reach out to take His hand.

We must make time to reevaluate,

And seek holy ground for eternity’s sake (9:25)

***

Father, help us empty our lives,

So we can be filled with the Spirit of Christ.

Minor adjustments are easy for sure,

But for huge transitions, we need You, O Lord!

We know You want what is best for us,

So why is it even a question to trust (Ps. 42:5)?

Fill us with joy and strength for today,

To speak with love and sing songs of praise (42:8).

Do a new thing, so our wishes come true (Prov. 13:19),

And set us on holy ground next to You (Joshua 5:19 & Luke 9:32).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible


Part the Waters, April 7, 2023

Joshua 3:17

If God tells us, “Rise up and go,”

His Spirit will lead the way to show (Josh. 3:14),

Our purpose, whether gain or loss,

And along the way, there’ll be rivers to cross!

Joshua’s problem is the Jordan (4:24),

As Moses faced the Red Sea before him.

Just like them, God provides a way,

To part the waters for us today.

Rivers are all the obstacles,

That threaten to drown our hearts and souls (Ps. 42:4).

But God continuously proves to us,

That He is worthy of our trust (Josh. 4:14)!

***

Father, sometimes a miracle,

For us, seems like too much trouble!

But scripturally, this is nothing for You,

And if we believe, we will walk through,

Our own Red Seas or Jordan rivers!

Glory to God, our Miracle Maker!

Help us switch gears to praise, not fret,

Worrying how we might get wet!

Yesterday, today, and forever,

You go ahead and part the waters!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Details Please, Lord!  April 6, 2023

Joshua 1:11

The Lord told Joshua long ago,

Exactly when to “Get up and go (Josh. 1:11)!”

Joshua wasn’t afraid to command,

The people of Israel to follow the plan.

The things we do along the way,

How we react and what we say (1:8),

Show our detailed loyalty,

To God, Who details what we need (Prov. 13:15).

If we are willing to take His hand,

He will reveal His detailed plan (Josh. 1:9).

We are then, directed to show,

That we’re trusting Him wherever we go (Josh. 1:9).

***

Father, help us follow Your map,

That outlines our future with details, exact,

You have promised with each new day,

To be with us, so we’re not afraid.

Give us wisdom to succeed (Ps. 41:11),

Trusting You to take the Lead.

Just like Joshua, we will stay,

In faith---You even make us brave!

We trust You will not let us fail.

You will guide and provide, every detail.

Praise be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Like No One Else, April 5, 2023

Deuteronomy 33:29

God has many blessings for us (Deut. 33:3),

Because He loves His children so much!

He makes us strong, and He is pleased (33:11),

To give us everything we need (33:27)!

We are always safe in His arms,

Able to sleep when we lie down.

God rides above us in majesty (33:26-28),

And goes out before us in victory.

The skies drop the dew of His faithfulness---

Like no one else, we are blessed (33:29).

***

Father, come, facilitate change,

Like no one else, for the sake of Your Name!

You know exactly what to invest,

Into our lives to help us progress.

Convict those who reject what You’ve taught (Prov. 13:13),

Because they are reaping weeds and rocks (Luke 8:6-7).

Keep us in places where we can hear (8:18),

Your still small voice, crystal clear.

Strengthen our roots to be secure (Deut. 33:26),

And help us produce a hundred times more (8:15).

Let us be those who, obediently,

Trust and follow, patiently,

For Your wisdom to fall upon us (Prov. 13;14),

As Your children, like no one else.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Mac Lucado

 

Grateful Relief!  April 4, 2023

Luke 7:50

Whether we owe a lot or a little (Luke 7:41),

All can relate to the Lord’s parable,

Of two, whose banker dismissed what they owed,

And both grateful, but one, more so (7:42)!

Could it possibly be the who owes less (7:43)?

No, it’s the one with the greater debts!

Likewise, people with huge debts of sin,

Will love the Lord more when they are forgiven.

Their burden, much greater, is fully released,

So they cry happy tears of Grateful Relief!

***

Father God, we thank You for life,

Free from sin’s debt, by the blood of Christ.

Anything contrary to Your nature,

Is sin, and one is no worse than another!

Still, we can understand, if the depth,

Is massively greater, one wouldn’t forget,

The amount YOU paid for sin’s transgressions,

Nor take for granted, gracious redemption!

Jesus, we praise You with tears that reveal,

Our love is deep and our gratitude is real.

We owe You a debt that we cannot pay,

So, You cancelled it and declare us, “saved” (Luke 7:50).

Thanks be to God!  We have this peace,

That overflows in Grateful Relief.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


God’s Use of Fire, April 3, 2023

Proverbs 13:9

God’s Word is like a fire,

Within our mouths and hearts (Deut. 30:14).

Continuously, it requires,

Stoked so it won’t go out (Prov. 13:9).

Its power moves us forward,

To a bright, successful future (Deut. 30:9; Prov. 13:9).

Those who obey God’s Word,

Are fueled by His Character (Deut. 29:4).

Its heat melts away the things,

That do NOT look like Christ.

This bright, dancing flame,

Keeps us full of love and life (Deut. 30:20).

***

Lord, stoke the fire,

Fueled by the Holy Ghost,

That gives us the desire,

To put You first and foremost (29:12).

Melts away the dross,

And purify our crowns,

Then draws us to the cross,

To lay our burdens down.

Day by day, somehow,

Rekindle that great power,

Oh surgeon, from above,

Cauterize our scars.

Draw others to this light!

Help us to impart,

These flames that burn bright,

While You stoke crusty hearts.

 In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


“But I Say To You…”, April 2, 2023

Luke 6:31

Good Christians know God’s Word to the letter,

Like, “Love your enemies and forgive your debtors (Luke 6:1).”

But feeling that “love” for them is tough,

And reading it isn’t always enough.

We must DO the love, as if,

“Wooing” our “enemies” by the Holy Spirit (Luke 6:27).

Can we allow one slap, and then (6:28),

Another?  No, we’d rather slap them (6:31)!

But acts of love will override,

Any bitterness forming deep inside!

By doing the loving thing we prove,

That God’s ways are higher than what WE would do.

***

Father, forgive our stony hearts.

Soften and fill us with LOVE to impart,

To tormented souls, who continue to hurt,

THEMSELVES, by treating others like dirt!

Lord, You showed love’s actions best.

By dying for us without regret!

Help us to follow each Word You say,

And include our enemies when we pray.

Let Your kind Spirit in us rise within,

Above the offense, covering the sin.

Lord, we believe Your promised Word,

That shows us kindness and reward,

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible


Rightful Rewards!  April 1, 2023

Luke 6:23

Facing some hardships way beyond reason (Deut. 26:6-7)?

God hears the cries of His precious children.

Our Father condemned Lucifer to hell,

But He doesn’t want us to go there as well (26:8)!

He’d much rather save us and show He is greater (26:19A),

Then those who don’t fear the Lord, their Creator (Deut.25:18).

He bestows on us honor and fame (26:19B),

When we give Him glory and praise His Name.

“Rejoice!”  Jesus says, “And be full of joy” (Luke 6:23)!

Expect the enemy wants to destroy,

The followers of Christ, but also be sure,

That you will be blessed and receive your reward (6:22-23)!

***

Father, thank You for the hope in Your Word (Ps. 39:7).

That You love us, and our prayers are heard!

Lord, keep us from the disgruntled who,

Are so negative they can’t follow You!

Through life’s hardships and demands.

They forget, all comes through Your hands.

Bless our lives with a joyful dose,

Of the strength and power of the Holy Ghost.

You provide our strength and might (Deut. 26:7-9).

And work for our good, making all things right.

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado




Deeper Purpose, March 30, 2023

Luke 5:4

Our work can create the scenario,

Of fishing all night with nothing to show (Luke 5:5).

But Jesus provides hope and purpose,

As an anchor deep below the surface.

God knows exactly how we feel (Ps. 38:9),

And just when we put down our rod and reel,

He tells us, “Go out and cast again” (Luke 5:4),

With results, more than we can imagine!

When we are willing to simply… try,

One day, He’ll show us the reason why (Prov. 12:26).

***

Father, when we’re about to quit,

You say, “Get up and cast your net!”

The lazy won’t have any food to cook (Prov. 12:27),

But You provide for those willing to work!

Hardships make us strong and tough,

Showing that YOU are enough.

Our cries for help reach up to You (Ps. 38:9),

With our heart’s desires too.

Encourage us to advance,

Because nothing happens by chance!

Yes, every single move we make,

Has a purpose… even mistakes!

Thanks be to God!

In Jesus name, amen.

Inspired by today’s devotional by Max Lucado* and scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible

(March 28 & 29)

Protected and Loved, March 27, 2023

Psalm 37:33

The Lord promises sure protection (Ps. 37:33),

To His good people, with satisfaction,

Seeing that He is fair and just (Prov. 37:34),

To those who believe, obey, and trust.

All people, all nations, all generations,

Will hear of God’s powerful salvation (Luke 3:6).

We need not strive, worry, or fret,

Because our Lord isn’t finished yet!

Wait for Him and expect His help (Ps. 37:34A)!

God knows we can’t do it all by ourselves!

Follow Him!  He will honor you (37:34B).

And do the work only HE can do.

***

Lord, by the power of Your resurrection,

We can depend upon Your protection.

When the winds howl and thunder booms,

You speak truth that heals the wounds (Prov. 12:18),

Caused by all the fuss others make,

Fueled by jealous anger and hate.

You have said, “Wait for the Lord (Ps. 37:34A)!”

And so, we patiently, follow Your Word.

Along with honor, you’ve promised land (37:34B),

Healing, good health, and sure protection (Prov. 12:18).

Thanks be to God! We are in Your hands,

Not having to borrow, but willing to lend,

And seeing the fruit of our labors,

Protected and loved by our Heavenly Father (Lk. 3:22).

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado

Likewise, Grow in Favor, March 26, 2023

Luke 2:40

We must experience salvation ourselves!

We are not responsible for somebody else!

Yes, we must teach each generation,

The Gospel’s power of salvation.

Just as the Lord grew strong in wisdom,

We will grow, over time, like Him (Luke 2:52).

God, our Father, never wavers,

In teaching us how to grow in His favor (Luke 2:40).

If we stumble, we will not fall,

Because the Lord never leaves us at all (Ps. 37:24).

Whether we’re older or young in the Lord,

God is our strength, our shield and sword (37:25).

***

Father, thank You that You have given,

Favor and justice to all of Your children.

I pray You will help us to take a stand (Ps. 37:24),

And trust Your favor from Your hand.

We are the apple of Your eye,

And Your protect us from the lies,

And traps, the enemy sets for sure,

To snatch us from Your hand, Oh Lord.

You protect our lives and souls,

Through good and bad, You are in control.

We praise and worship You now and forever (37:29),

Because You bless us with Your favor.

In Jesus name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


It’s A Choice! March 25, 2023

Deuteronomy 11:26

Glorify God for all He has done,

And educate your children (Deut. 11:20),

That it is a choice to be blessed,

By living for God in obedience (11:29).

Agree to agree!  Find common ground,

And pass on Your faith, by writing it down!

God is in our midst, when we,

Choose peace and look for ways to agree.

God gives His blessing and direction,

But it boils down to a personal decision.

Many are chosen, but few will say,

“Yes!” to be blessed---God’s way!

***

Lord, we give You all the praise,

For letting us choose Your blessings today.

Keep us from pride, and carnal ambitions,

To focus on Your Holy Spirit’s direction.

When two or three agree together,

And ask in Your Name, You’ve promised to answer.

But When we fuss over differences,

It makes us extremely bad witnesses!

Your blessing, Lord, is better than cursing.

For it, somehow, we must stop nursing,

Grudges, hurts, conflicts, regrets,

And remember, no one but You, is perfect!

In Jesus Name, amen.

DARMC

Inspired by today’s scripture in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible with devotional by Max Lucado


For Our Own Good, March 24, 2023

Deuteronomy 10:12

There has always been good and evil,

With God working to win back His people (Deut. 9:3)!

He desires righteousness,

So His laws keep people from wickedness.

He goes before all those, as He promised (9:4),

Who choose to be obedient and honest.

Still, some are stubborn and do not deserve,

The promises God gives in His Word (9:13).

His love flowed through our ancestors (10:15),

And gives us power that comes from the Lord (Luke 1:74).

By respecting and loving Him as we should,

We understand, it is for our own good (Deut. 10:12).

***

Lord, we are honored to be Your Bride,

To worship You in these last times.

We believe Your pla

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(3-27-24) As we get older, we are supposed to get wiser, right? I think the classroom of experience teaches us more than all the degrees we could ever earn. Over the years, we learn that we cannot control what others do, we are only responsible for ourselves and on top of that, we cannot even do anything completely by ourselves… we need God. We need His wisdom, His protection and His guidance, daily.  We can pray for those who offend, who steal, who kick when we're down, and we should pray for them, but sometimes our hearts cry out, "Lord, tell us HOW to pray for them!" There will always be mountains in front of us that we have to climb. It's just frustrating when we go around and around the same mountains. Trust God to either move the mountain or give more strength to go around it again if necessary. His promise is to get us safely to our promised land and praise Him, He's not finished yet! 

(3-26-24) We never stop growing in the Lord, no matter how old we get! We sometimes think that once a person receives Christ, they are full grown in the knowledge, wisdom, and strength of the Christian faith. Not so! Just as Christ himself had to grow up physically and mentally (as we see in Luke chapter 2) we must grow. We learn along the way what pleases God, and we grow our faith and understanding of His control. It takes a lifetime! He shows us favor every day. Praise God, He never leaves us alone, but ALWAYS stretches out His hand to guide us across busy intersections in life.

(3-25-24)  We have all these different theologies today that divide us as denominations. I directed music in a Presbyterian church, while Jim pastored a United Methodist Church. We all say the same creeds, like, "I believe in the holy catholic church..." The small letter "c" in catholic means universal. Jim told how the African United Methodists cast the swing votes to help unify the United Methodists at the last General Conference—we were once united, universally, in the Methodist Church. And now, we are split! The fact is, we choose to agree or to disagree on obedience to Scripture, God’s Word. How do we know which theologies to obey? We read the Word for ourselves... cover to cover, and make an educated choice, led and directed by the Holy Spirit within us.

(3-24-24) We forget sometimes Whose we are… the Bride of Christ. Our culture has played havoc with marriages today. We’ve so quickly become accustomed to traditions and trends that go against the character of God concerning marriage. Brides do not vow that they will “love, honor, and obey” anymore. That went out the window decades ago. Don’t get me wrong! I am not for Sherea law, but people get married and divorced as easily as driving through McDonalds for a hamburger! The glorious wonder of becoming someone's SPOUSE, a wife or a husband, has disintegrated because men and women have already experience EVERYTHING ahead of time. I love what Max Lucado has to say about God's desires for us. He says, "His goal is not to make you happy. His goal is to make you His. His goal is not to get you what you want' it is to get you what you need." All husbands need love and respect. A wife needs security, so God promises to meet all our needs if we choose to be wholly His.  

(3-23-24) Birthdays! We all have them, but as we age, all we really want is a, “Happy Birthday,” maybe dinner with friends to celebrate, or a call from the kids. As Christians, we glory in the promises of God’s agreement of love extended not just to us, but to our children. We can claim what God tells the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 7:8-9: "But the Lord chose you because He loved you... So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep His agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love Him and obey His commands." The best "birthday" or any day gifts are God's blessings coming our way because of godly grandparents who prayed for us. "God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him (Luke 1:50)." You be the one to start the flow of God’s gifts and blessings to your children and grandchildren.

(3-22-24) It's difficult to be angry with someone who is enjoying life. Sure, they might annoy the stew out of us if we're upset about something, and they seem happy, but just the opposite can be true as well... others can become annoyed because we're enjoying ourselves! The Psalmist says to enjoy serving the Lord and He will give us what we want (Ps. 36:4)! Don't we all want good fruit, happiness, joy, wisdom, and freedom from oppression? As we look around at the fruit of others, we can discern between the sheep and the wolves easily! * Those with good fruit are enjoying their work, their God-appointed service, and those with not-so-good fruit? They cannot find contentment. They are always growling or howling like wolves at others. What do they enjoy? Telling others what to do! Lord, protect us! May we enjoy serving You today, in Jesus name, amen.
Prayers That Avail Much*

(3-21-24) Hurtful experiences? We all have them. They take up a lot of space in our minds… too much space! This leaves less space for all the good experiences. When we get emotionally attached, personally invested, and pour our hearts and souls into something, or someone, the loss of it, or of them can be devastating! The Psalmist writes about God's love and loyalty, goodness, justice, and protection as being above anything here on earth. "It reaches to the heavens (Ps. 36:5)." Look up to the Lord. Trust that He has us safely, under His wings (Ps. 36:7) as His most precious children, and His sense of loyalty, goodness and justice will overcome the world's most heinous acts of evil, disloyalty, malice, and injustice. Why? Because He is the Lord God. "Those who do evil have been defeated. THEY are overwhelmed; they cannot do evil any longer (Ps. 36:12)." Praise Him!

(3-20-24) Mary Magdalene and two other women must have been the "worker-bees" of Jesus’ day. They were headed to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus’ body for burial. How they prepared bodies back then is not at all how we prepare bodies for burial today. After three days, the stone blocked their entrance, but also, the smell of decay! Opening it could knock a person down! They were willing to do the work, but to their surprise, the tomb is already opened and aired out. You know the rest of the story. The Lord had already cleaned the place. There was no smell of decay and his grave clothes were folded. There was nothing more for them to do than to tell others and praise the Lord God Almighty for His mighty deeds. Learn a lesson. God goes before us and solves the problems we know we're going to face. No need to fear, worry, or fret over things anymore. We serve an amazing, miracle worker, who loves us, and cares about every single "stone" and even the stink in our path. Praise Him!

(3-19-24) Hand-made gifts are awesome! They are made with love, and sometimes, a little sweat! The Lord's plans for us have been made by him mapped with a great amount of forethought, and designed, then presented to us with love. There isn't anything in our plan for which God has no knowledge. If there’s a problem, He has an answer... or another path to another way. He always provides, ALWAYS makes a way. Praise Him that His plans for us are good, and according to the Psalmist, He enjoys seeing our success. Trust Him and be sure to “Praise the greatness of the Lord, who loves to see His servants do well” (Ps. 35:28).

(3-18-24) Some people have the gift of hospitality, making you feel right at home. Margaret Bullington has it. She cooked a huge Sunday dinner and most Sundays, she invited us to eat with them. The wonderful peace in their home didn't come from the home, nice as it was, it came from the spirit of the Bullington family. Each one of them, Elick, Steve, Sue, Alma Louise inherited this gift from Margaet.  I'll be honest with you, I have enjoyed living in nice parsonages, but the “place” is not our promised land—it's a state of mind. God wants us to have peace and contentment, within our own skin...no matter where we are, how many times we move, or whether we have this or that.  We have HIM, and HE is greater than anything we face.  Focusing on His greatness helps us enter our promised land. He wants to give each one of His children this inheritance as a gift, so it's not something we earn... all we must do is enter in.

(3-17-24) In our democratic, fair, and balanced (?) society, we have no clue what it means to follow a Lord, a King, or a Queen. We deplore the thought of it because we don't want to feel like servants or slaves to anyone. Perhaps this is why we have difficulty following the Lord. Even as good Christians, we find ourselves questioning God. In past and some present cultures with Lords, Kings, Queens, Sheiks, etc., to question could mean losing your head but our Lord God is good to those who follow Him completely, like Caleb and Joshua. Remember them? They were the only two who believed God would help the Israelites defeat the giants in the promised land. God refers to them as the ONLY ones who have followed Him completely. If we follow the Lord completely, we will be in the vast minority. This is a tough choice because we'd rather be in the majority. But as Joshua says, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," this is our affirmation today. Expect to be a minority, the one or two who follow Him AND trust Him completely.

(3-16-24) In WWI the Medics were told to switch out their medic helmets for regular ones. They also had to take off their medic arm bands because the enemy was targeting these guys first! Likewise, Christians are targeted today by the enemy of our souls. These attacks bring us to our knees, crying out to God just like Jesus did. Painful prayers pour out of us because of natural circumstances that make us think we’re going down for the count. * Satan indeed has a finger on pushing triggers to maim or destroy those who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and God's precious children are marked like the medics with a cross that the enemy sees on their foreheads. Here's the clincher. God is not surprised by any of our uncomfortable pressures, hurtful betrayals, and wrecked dreams, because they are part of our story which will prove God's faithfulness in the end. We're not to trust in what man can do TO us, or even, FOR us, but instead, trust that we are the apple of God's eye, and Jesus is not only hearing our prayers but, interceding for us as we pray them. He remembers and empathizes with us. At the same time, He is cheering us on because He knows the outcome is victory. Stand firm on God’s promises until SATAN’S plans are destroyed. And remember, when the flesh is weak, God’s Spirit will prove Himself strong enough to pray through us, “Father, not what I want, but what You want (Mk. 14:36).”
Prayers that Avail Much*

(3-15-24) Several years ago, my elementary school choir went to GMEA’s Large Group Performance Evaluations and received overall Superior ratings, which is the highest score. Their high hopes, happy energy and adorable cherubic voices sufficed to outweigh a few imperfections. The process evaluates seven different aspects of choral singing and then takes an average score from the seven areas times three judges. We teachers take these score sheets as encouragement for the students by their good comments, but also, to use in constructive ways to improve with their corrective comments. There are always areas that need a little more work, but the final average is what counts. When we look over our lives, all of us have a few imperfections, areas that need work, but the overall average is what counts. Be encouraged today. Look back and examine all the good that the Lord has done. Simply trust that when the scores are averaged out, we will have that Superior score through the atoning blood of Christ, which leads to our reward in heaven and our joy on earth.

(3-13-24) We are so easily divided! The political scene is getting scary. Nations break promises and it seems we are headed down the road to the Lord's return! Read all about it in Mark chapter 13! The Lord says these things must happen. What are we going to do? It would be so easy to just curse others as evil, and live our lives apart from them. But, as the children of God our blessings will happen because God plans them for us. He looks on us as flawless and beautiful children. The blessing of God on our lives cannot be changed (Num. 23:20). Because of this blessing on us, the Lord wants us to bless others, especially, others who claim Christianity. Those who are not against us are for us, just maybe at a different level of spiritual maturity.  We are to look for the good and not the evil in them. We are to bless and not curse anyone with the constant hope of turning their hearts toward Christ in these last days. Go forth with God’s Spirit of blessing today.

(3-11-24) People today are into self-love. It’s not that they are incapable of loving others, but the cultural message… “I did it my way.” The Spirit of God in our hearts and minds helps us not to care about what others think, while caring about them. Max reminds us that the absence of God’s love, forgiveness, hope, and grace is in a word, “hell.” If God's Spirit were to be removed, the world would be just like hell. He says, "You think people can be cruel now, imagine the world without the Holy Spirit!" We get a glimpse of that when we're around people who don't care, seriously, don't care about anyone else but themselves. They are going to do what they are going to do without any emotion at all. The missing ingredient? I think it is God’s Spirit. God is He cares for us, and He wants us to have love, joy, and peace! The Psalmist says, "Honest people should praise Him (Ps. 33:1)." Are we adequately praising Him today? His love inside us will give us a song of praise right smack in the midst of our current culture that breeds narcissists. Our song will be a witness to them and whet their appetites for what we have. Honesty helps us do the right thing, but love is the true evidence of the Spirit. So, let the Spirit of God, shine through you today.

 (3-10-24) Everyone has gone through hurtful experiences, like people who say words that hurt, betray, or even curse us. In our reading today, David, Solomon and even Jesus use some strong words that as Believers who seek to be kind, we wouldn’t repeat. "The Lord HATES those with evil hearts but is pleased with those who are innocent (Prov. 11:20)." Peter said (to Jesus), "Teacher, look!  The fig tree you CURSED is dry and dead (Mark 11:21)." David implies that God causes many troubles to afflict the wicked (Ps. 32:10). He HATES evil people, and yes, Jesus, God’s Son, curses unfruitfulness. Whether God causes trouble or allows it, hate and cursing are all strong words, but praise God, His Words are nothing but victorious for the Believer: "Have FAITH in God. I tell you the TRUTH, you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, fall into the sea.'  And if you have NO DOUBTS in your mind and BELIEVE that what you say will happen, GOD WILL DO IT FOR YOU. So, I tell you to believe that you HAVE RECEIVED the things you ask for in prayer, and GOD WILL GIVE THEM TO YOU. Jesus tags on some conditions containing stronger words: "When you are praying, if you are ANGRY with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. If you don't forgive other people, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins (Mark 11:22-26)." Take God at His Word! His STRONG Words mean that we first FORGIVE, then BELIEVE to RECEIVE that for which we ask in prayer. 

 

(3-9-24) It takes a long time to gain the trust and love of a wounded animal. It's heartbreaking to see the commercials of dogs and cats being mistreated by cruel people. What is really behind their mistrust? Overwhelming fear of more pain, and the insecurity that paranoia brings. Fear and insecurity is so filling that there is no room for kindness. Most likely, it has not even been witnessed or properly demonstrated in their unfortunate lives! This problem is exacerbated by the fact that they are hungry, always hungry and are overcome with self-preservation. They are unhappy with others around them, aggressively snapping, cowering, or running away. We see this with people too. We know that abuse or neglect by others who misunderstood the power of praise is not good. Where is God in any of this?  Solomon says, "Kind people do themselves a favor, but cruel people bring trouble on themselves (Prov. 11:17). Pray for a spirit of kindness to fill us today.  Pray for God to remove any fear, worries or insecurities because this spirit is not of God. So, do yourself a favor. Be kind.

(3-8-24) As Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we all have our promised land—something bigger than ourselves that God has called us to do. If we don't, we should! God with us, works through us to perform much more than we can perform on our own. The Psalmist reminds us today that those who are proud will be punished but all who put their hope in the Lord must be strong and brave. Switch off thoughts of fear and rehearse thoughts of strength and bravery, full of faith, Scriptural promises, and obedience... more like Caleb. In Numbers 14, he's the one ready to take on the battle, fight the fight and he goes even further by trying to encourage strength and faith in others. Be more like that today. Think more like that!  What do we have to lose? If God be for us, who can be against us? Be strong and brave... and think more like Caleb.

(3-7-24) The conversations between God and Moses which are documented in Numbers, chapters 11 & 12, are like listening in on two men having a cup of coffee together. God says things like, "Do you think I am weak?  Now you will see if I can do what I say!" This is serious. God gets angry at the people of Israel because of all their whining and complaining about manna (free food) so Moses has to deescalate the situation. This happens time and time again in our own relationships but imagine it with God! Have you been in that kind of a conversation with God where you know He is angry? Whew! We must understand, again, the difference of the Spirit's part in people's lives in the O.T. The Spirit chose the person. Praise the Lord that now, we choose to receive the Spirit when we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, makes His home within our hearts and speaks to us... just like Moses. It does takes focused prayer, meditation on His Word, and visualizing the Lord. What do you see in your mind today? What picture do you have? Visualizing Him helps to hear Him better, like two people having a cup of coffee. Today, hear Him saying to you: “Now you will see if I can do what I say.

(3-6-24) It’s been raining, but when I took Little Bit out early this morning, thankfully the rain stopped so the little guy could stay dry! I walked out into the yard with him and looked up to see the clouds moving swiftly overhead. God has used clouds throughout scripture to signify His presence. The Israelites were led by a cloud that hovered over the holy of holies, and when it lifted and moved, they pulled up pegs to follow it. The cloud overhead moved the people in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, Jesus sends the Comforter, His Spirit, to guide us. The difference? God's presence through the power of the Holy Spirit guides us as a "still small voice" and yes, there are times when we pull up pegs and follow Him out because of it. Likewise, there are times when we know we should stay in our current "camp." We must diligently keep our spiritual eyes and ears focused on it. God provides daily direction and the best readings and radar reports for us to follow… from the inside. He doesn’t hesitate to guide our every step, go before us and prepare the way, when we sincerely seek to follow Him.

(3-5-24) Jim and I did not grow up United Methodist!  We ministered at Perry United Methodist for seven years before making the decision to join the denomination. When Jim was ordained, we agreed to submit to the Leadership in the Conference, which can have huge implications concerning family and personal goals. When others are making decisions for us, it is not easy. The Lord tells Moses to take the Levites away and purify their bodies, and of course, their minds and hearts. They had these rituals of purification that are quite normal hygiene for us today, but they also had to make the sin-sacrifices, with repentance to cover sins. We who minister must be first to repent, to cleanse our own hands, before we can help anyone else. This is one reason for times of retreat, prayer, Bible study, and even fasting. Pray for ministers today, to not be duped by the enemy because the very elect will be blinded by evil in the last days. May we truly minister only AFTER the purification of our own hearts and lives.

(3-4-24) Jesus and Peter are the closest friends. During a discussion one evening, Peter tell Jesus, "You are the Christ." Later in the discussion, Peter takes Jesus aside and tells Him, "Don't talk like that!" How do you disagree with the Son of God? You don't! Jesus rebuked him and even put him in Satan's camp... for that moment anyhow. Hindsight tells the story of Peter's spiritual growth process from the betrayal to his unwavering commitment to the Gospel that changes him into “Peter the Rock”, the foundation of the Church. After Christ's death and resurrection, Peter suffered persecution and execution. Believers receive the Spirit’s amazing peace that others do not have, because we know the plan, even as Christ knew the plan. Staying in faith, in constant communication through prayer and Scripture reading guides us into experiences where we are not surprised at what happens because we believe in God’s sovereign control. His plan includes our victory! Praise Him!

(3-3-24) Jesus must be in awe of our lack of understanding. In Mark 8:17, He says, "...Why are you talking about not having (enough) bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are Your minds closed?  (8:18) You have eyes but you don't really see. You have ears but you don't really listen." That's me, and that's you! God works all throughout our lives to get us where we’re going in our destinies, and we miss most of His miracles along the way! We think, "coincidence" or even, “It’s because of our own intellect or talent,” but in reality, ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN OUR LIVES HAVE COME FROM GOD!!!  The babies born beautifully healthy are nothing exceptional these days with our pre-natal care, right?  Wrong!  They are God's miraculous provision for us. Make sure, today, that there is nothing in the eye that can blur spiritual vision, like splinters and logs of judging others!  We want to recognize all God's miracles, and rightly, give Him the praise for them! This produces the joy that is promised every morning (Ps. 30:5)!!

(3-2-24) There is conflict between head and heart. The "head" stores the promises of God, but the "heart" says, "I don't 'feel' like all this is going to work out." How important it is for us to stop letting our hearts control the promises of God. "I am with you always!" "The Lord gives strength to His people." “The Lord blesses His people with peace.” “A good person can look forward to happiness." “The Lord will protect good people." If we don't feel good, we don't think we ARE good! Goodness is not dependent on how we feel, but rather, it replaces the sin in our lives when we’ve confessed it. We need to train our hearts to be consistent, not so high, not so low. Feeling bad today? A smile releases endorphins into the bloodstream. Feeling weak today? Take a walk for the same reason. If a heart is hurting, stressed out and crazy frustrated, it will be preoccupied hurt, stress and frustrations and our ability to receive peace and happiness goes right out the window. Today is a brand-new day! Ask and you shall receive! Ask Him to replace the stress and remove the frustration as well. Expect peace and happiness today because God promises it! (Psalm 29:10-11, Proverbs 20:26-29, Philippians 4:7)

(3-1-24) My parents instilled in us that any type of ministry is the highest calling upon a person's life. The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 29, that the angels continuously praise the Lord in heaven, and THIS is their calling. Thus, I believe we can extract from this chapter and from Max Lucado's devotional today, that praise is our calling as well... it's the highest calling. This is what we will be doing for all eternity!  God knows what we need, and He releases His blessings and power to us when we recognize that He knows what we need and is not only able, but willing to give it—when we praise Him.

(2-29-24)  We have a lot of prayer requests for people to be healed of illnesses. Because of this verse in Mark 6, I do not know any other way to pray, then for God to heal someone when they are sick. Whatever it is, broken bones, arthritis, cancer, etc., even Alzheimer’s! The Word says Jesus healed them ALL. All who came to Him for healing. That had to include affective disorders, and we know it included the unknowns of demon possession as well. All of them. What was the difference? They were physically in His presence. Today, we are promised to be One with Him in spirit by His Holy Spirit living in us. Think of proximity! Reaching out to Him is closer now. Take advantage of it, and ask in Jesus Name, to touch the hem of His garment today… for healing of ALL kinds. Glory!

(2-28-24) Teachers are given three personal days a year for family, rest, or just a mental health day. In my work, it seems like more work to prepare for substitutes, so it is difficult to take time off. In today's reading, Leviticus 25:1 says to give the land a rest after six years. In Psalm 28:6, we see that the Lord is our strength and shield (so we can relax). In Proverbs 10:19, we're to give our mouths a rest, and in Mark 6:31, Jesus is saying, "Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest."Find time in your day today, to rest behind the shield and strength of our Lord. Let Him tag you out for a round or two. Renew your mind by streams of still watersand restore your soul for His Name’s sake... and for your own good! I heard someone say that our picture is on God’s refrigerator, just like we have pictures of the grandchildren! He is devoted to us and wants good things for us. This includes times of rest and restoration. Praise Him!

(2-27-24) America is supposed to be a Republic that has a set order of law and a division of power. One branch submits to the other. Today’s culture insists on allowing a "mob mentality" to protest any and everything the goes against their way of thinking. It boils down to selfish, dramatic, narcissism that lacks empathy for others. Unfortunately, it shows up in unexpected social circles, with YouTube influencers, and even churches. Lord have mercy! Christians, of all people, full of the Spirit of God, should be showing the fruits of His Spirit in us, love, joy, peace, patience, etc., but instead, we lean into the drama, and manipulative behaviors of those who need a great deal of attention. When faced with people like this, one must call upon the Rock, as in Psalm 28:1! The Lord insists we have the grace to submit to one another in love, and to respect the authorities over us. If you are thinking, "That's so old-school” you are right. God’s Word is about as “old school” as it gets. The Scriptural teaching of Jesus Christ are timeless, and last time I checked He hasn’t revised any of it. Pride needs to be left at the foot of the cross… along with self-pity, arrogance, and a dramatically over-inflated self-image. These are narcissistic traits that can be identified so easily in others, but disappear in the mirror.

(2-26-24) "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for_______.” Fill in the blank. Our good God does good things just as a high mountain spring gives good water. We need really good things when we get that call from the doctor, or get turned down for a job, a loan, a marriage proposal… the list goes on! As we live and breathe, when "bad" things happen to us, God wants us to come to Him. Get close enough to touch the hem of His garments. While reading His promises, our minds turn toward the side of hope instead of despair. "I truly believe, I will live to see the Lord's goodness (Ps. 27:13)." Do you truly believe that? Take it as a promise for you today. Start looking for goodness, expecting goodness, and of course, praising and thanking God for it even before it happens, because of TRULY believing in His power to be released on your behalf.

(2-25-24) Many times in teaching a musical concept, I will ask my choir to sing it "wrong" and then, sing it "right" so that I know they can tell the difference! Leviticus is a difficult read when wearing the best reading glasses. We must consider the time, the culture, the fact that they had no sanitation departments, no chemical analysis or blood work, no DNA testing, etc. They had to be taught the very basics of personal hygiene that we take for granted! However, the breakdown of each commandment, aside from making them aware of needing cleanliness to avoid disease, includes basic holiness unto the Lord. When God says, we shouldn't have sex with a brother or sister because it's not natural, even our laws prohibit this, because now we understand genetics. It is also not holy unto the Lord, along with other things i.e., sacrificing babies (to Molech) (Lev. 20:1) or disrespecting the elderly. All these things have the mark of unholiness on them. Think twice about actions and words today and ask yourself, "Is this holy unto the Lord?" We are to be holy, as He is holy. His Spirit directs our hearts in this. The natural person doesn't have what it takes to be holy!  Ask and you will receive holiness!

(2-24-24) All of us deal with things that scare us because we cannot handle them alone. We confer with the experts to get advice, seek counselors, doctors, and second opinions to help us, but as Christians, sometimes God must just shake His head! "Why are they so afraid?" The simple command of Christ to the sea in Mark 4:39, is a good command for us today. "Quiet! Be still!" If the winds obey His command, shouldn't we? Fear says, "You'll never get well, you'll never succeed, you'll never make it..." Faith says, "I expect to get well, I expect to succeed and I expect to make it." Faith knows that with Christ, all things are possible! All things! We can hold Him to His promises like, by His stripe we are healed, honor your father and mother that your days will be long on the earth, a hard worker will become rich, the Lord does not let good people go hungry, and right living will save you from death, etc. These promises in Scripture still apply to us today. By faith, we can go about our lives with joy, expecting goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.

(2-23-24) In the Spring, I always have to buy a big bag of fertilized soil. When I’m ready to plant, I start with the soil. I have to buy the right flowers (My thumb is not green enough to start with seeds) then water and feed them, continuously, especially in summer. In Mark's gospel we read the parable of the soil, with the interpretation of it being, the condition of the heart, whether it can receive, nurture and grow the seed. But I want to add a radio preacher’s side to this parable---the condition of the soil on the outside of us, i.e., our homes, our work, our friends, and families, etc. We must be living, working, and fellowshipping in places that nurture and facilitate personal growth.  Dry and thirsty places make us have to go and be watered elsewhere!  I'm not suggesting we uproot at every slight irritation, but we may have to reevaluate the places in our lives - do they stunt or facilitate our growth?  Be thankful if you are surrounded by positive, encouraging people who push you up and celebrate growth! In the same way, we must be good soil for others, helping them reach their full potential. We have a lot to think and pray about here - being the good soil, inside and out, so the beauty of Jesus can blossom within us, AND help that beauty to blossom in others all around us too.

(2-22-24)  I love reading through the Word of God each year using Max Lucado's, "Grace for the Moment Daily Bible." Without it, I'd get stuck in Leviticus for days, and praise the Lord, we can move on to read about the life of Jesus each day! Because of God's amazing love, and the Lord's amazing love, Jesus became our sacrifice, so we don't have to go through life making all the sacrifices outlined in Leviticus! Love is the reason for this. When people reject Christ, they are rejecting the Spirit. In Mark chapter three today, we see that the pharisees out of jealousy, said that Jesus had an evil spirit. Even the Lord's family questioned His Deity. This is where we learn to accept that not everyone will accept Christ living in us. Surely, if Christ suffered for love's sake, we will too, so don't be offended. Be glad to share in Christ's sufferings, because great is your reward in heaven. Let the fruit of the Spirit, starting with love, prevail and overcome evil, through you today.

(2-21-24) We hear the word, "hate" a lot these days, i.e., "hate-crimes" or "haters gonna hate" in song lyrics. It's a catch word for basically anyone who disagrees with our point of view! How ridiculous! We are going to have disagreements and we all know that no one is perfect! When we disagree, it's usually because someone feels cheated, misunderstood, or perhaps cheated out of a fair shake. Take time to examine your own heart today when troubles and problems come, like the Psalmist. "Look at my suffering and troubles, and take away all my sins (Ps. 25:17)." Make sure your plate is clean and then expect God to fill it with good things… and don’t forget to praise Him!

(2-20-24) There is a connection between positive thinking and good health, but we would question a physician if he/she only prescribed positive thinking. We want the injection, the anti-biotics, the surgery, or the drugs that are known to cure our diseases. Jesus talks about the sick needing a doctor and parallels this with people needing Him to heal their sin-sickness. The Lord is the only Physician who cures our human terminal illness of sin, stubborn sin at that! His phrase, "You are forgiven," is the most powerful drug in the universe. Along with these words, He prescribes love and truth to fill our lives and give us immunity from worldly diseases that can mean a slow, painful death of the soul. Praise Him today, for this cure available to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Because He lives within us and loves us, we are cured, and can share the cure with others

(2-19-24) I love the picture that Max Lucado paints in his devotional today of a loving Jewish Father hearing his child's cry, “Abba!” and with one quick swoop, he lifts her up into his arms at a busy intersection. This is what our God does, our Abba, Father. He loves us more than anyone else loves us here on earth. If we really believe this, then we can come to Him with confidence when we pray, knowing that He hears us. Why? Because He feels sorry for us as we do our own children when they have a need that is beyond their capabilities to handle. God knows that "age-appropriate" to us is like "human-appropriate" to Him. We are never too old to not need His mercy and help in our lives. He heals the man who pleads with Him, "You can heal me if you will” (Mark 1:40). Jesus does heal the man because He feels sorry for him. It's okay to seek mercy. It is a sign of trust, not weakness. Accept His mercy today. "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6).  Does He really want to hear our prayers, heal us or our loved ones?  Of course He does! Call out today, “Abba!”

(2-18-24)  "Long live the King!"  This has always been the standard response or “opener” when addressing royalty. Long life is everyone's goal, whether we realize it or not. We sometimes get a chance to be tested in this area with a bad report from the doctor. So many things are not the death sentences they used to be due to progressive procedures in science and medicine. Even though we have come so far, we must understand that no matter the "test" or the illness, God has a plan for us to fulfill the length of our days. We are in His Almighty hands, and we are His. He decides, and we let Him decide! In the meantime, we work at getting to know Him better, because by knowing the Holy One (according to Psalm 9:10-12), we will gain wisdom and live longer. “Long” is relative, and that too, is in His hands. Live long(er) and prosper by getting to know the Lord better. Understanding who He is, His likes and dislikes, is our worthy, life-long process. Praise Him!

(2-17-24) We all know some power-house people, controllers who have to make sure everyone knows they are large and in-charge. The wonderful thing about being a Christian is that we have access to the One who is really in control, the One with All-Power in heaven and on earth, the ONLY One who is really large and in-charge... Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL, not some, but ALL power is His, and He calls His followers His "Bride" with all the benefits attached to that title. What groom would stand by and watch His Bride go through something difficult without Him? Whatever it is, a medical report, a financial need, a relationship, whatever, our Savior has ALL power, and WE have access to Him.  But wait, there are conditions to this access! "Only those with clean hands and pure hearts, who have not worshiped idols, who have not made promises in the name of a false god (Ps. 24:4)..." We must keep up the condition of our hearts, and for sure, remain faithful to Him, as a Bride should! Think about this today when tempted to worry or complain. There is absolutely nothing that our Lord cannot do.  ALL power is His in heaven and on earth (Mt. 28:18). Praise Him!

(2-16-24) The twenty-third Psalm is written for us to understand that God wants to completely fear-proof our hearts and lives. By the blood of the Lamb, we are protected, and the enemy is defeated. From the shedding of blood in the book of Leviticus to Matthew's account of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, we are covered, sealed by grace, completely, enemy-proof and therefore, fear-proof! We belong to Him and He has anointed us and placed us in His service for as long as we have breath. Our future, at work, home, or lying down in green pastures, is all in His hands. Our tests become our testimonies, and surely, His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Praise Him!

(2-14-24) You think God has asked you to do something difficult... try dying on a Cross!! Do I really have to forgive that low-down-double-crossing-bad-mouthed-idiot? Christ forgave the thief beside him and changed the heart of the guards who hit him! Why? Because this was the plan all along, to die for us that we might be saved. Doing the will of His father is what pleased God so much and Jesus is always our best example. Go and do likewise today. Do the things that please the Lord. When we focus on this, we get to experience the benefits of Him being pleased with us! We receive His JOY, and this makes us strong, creative, wise, understanding, kind, and on and on and on... bringing real happiness.

(2-14-24)  Happy Valentines Day!  Today we honor our significant other, our spouse, our partner in life, the union that makes us a family and gives us fulfillment. As Christians, we are not alone when we are bonded to another. Adding God to this union is indeed like adding a third strand to a rope which makes it even stronger. Couples serving God in full-time ministry, or as laymen, find out quickly that the enemy uses ruthless tactics, seen and unseen, against us. Satan starts with the "divide and conquer" spiritual warfare tactics, getting us to disagree on something. Soon, we start disagreeing on everything! Bam! We need help. This is where God comes in to strengthen our faith and love, while He acts as a shield against Satan's attacks. We can't do this on our own. Yes, our bond of two is good, but a union of three is the best possible! Pray for your spouse today, and thank God for His family plan, of which He is our strength. Praise Him!

(2-13-24) When I was a child, I learned to meditate on Christ by fixing my eyes on a portrait of Him in our den. My parents had the three most famous ones, Christ kneeling in the garden, the portrait of his face, and the one with him standing, knocking at a door. All three of the pictures look like the same person, same hair, same facial features. I remember feeling a warmth inside when looking at those pictures. How we see Christ matters, but His Spirit in us is how others get to see Him. We know it's important to have a positive self-image, but do we have a positive Christ image? Do we see Him in the mirror so that others can also see Him in us? Solomon paints a word portrait of wisdom (Christ is wisdom) in Proverbs chapter 8, part of today's reading. Meditate on these qualities and internalize them to become that calm, confident, kind, loving portrait of wisdom, that draws others to Christ.

(2-12-24) Schools put out a list of needed supplies each student is to bring. Paying electronically in restaurants always involves adding a 10%, 15%, 20%, or more tip. We are often asked to contribute, and we do it willingly if we like (or love) the people. In Exodus 35 & 36, The Lord asks the people to give to the building of their place of worship in the desert (a tent for a Temple) and basically, presents them with a list of His own! Olive oil for the lamps, the incense and anointing the priests, red goat skins, blue thread... an interesting list. In Ex. 35:29, all the people willingly brought in these things until Moses had to tell them to stop, because they had more than they could store! (Perhaps if we gave out a list, people might be more willing to give to ministries!) Let’s agree together to pray for God's wisdom in our giving, and also for the right desires, the "want to" in it, for ourselves, and for others

(2-11-24) We cultivate friendships much like growing anything else. This takes time, understanding, patience and love. The song, "Climb Every Mountain," from “The Sound of Music” says that when you go after your dream it will take "all the love you can give, every day of your life for as long as you live." This song is about Maria's love for the Captain, and his children but certainly, we can transfer these words to cultivating our relationship with God. We read about God's friendship with Moses in Exodus chapter 33, and it is quite amazing! God converses with  Moses as a friend would speak to a friend. Imagine sitting down with God over a cup of coffee and discussing mutual interests, like, "How's my mom and dad doing? Tell them I love and miss them."  "Oh, they are cutting a rug up here—I'll be glad to do that, and I’ll give them a hug for you too." That's the kind of relationship for which to aim with God, full of love, loyalty, knowledge of Him, walking with Him, seeking His wisdom and advice, and trusting Him as a dear friend.

(2-10-24) We live in a highly competitive world and musicians are the worst. Psychologists tell us that highly competitive people have deep seated needs for attention. We learn to humble ourselves or else, God will. This should be easy because as Believers we understand that our gifts have been given to us for the work of the Kingdom. Lord, help us if we are sitting on them and not using our gifts, but also, heaven forbid if those in leadership are not letting us use them. God is great at combining forces, and He loves putting people together to share the burdens of the work. Take inventory today. Are you using your gifts for the Kingdom, or only for your own glory? Are you sharing and allowing others to come on board who have similar gifts? Remember, God creates all of us with a unique plan, so we develop our gifts and learn our part in the puzzle, which always includes fitting and holding on to all the other pieces.

(2-9-24) We all know someone who sees their work as a chore for them, not a choice. They do it for the paycheck and the benefits. These are the people who do the bare minimum to get by in their work. They suffer and everyone around them suffers. In Max Lucado's devotional today, he reminds us that God gives each one as much as he can handle (Matt. 25:15). When we realize, "I was made to do this," * we are a lot more productive! If this is still a question in your life today, Max says to "Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well? What have you done in the past that you loved doing? Stand at the intersection of your affections and successes and find your uniqueness." He is right-on, and I couldn't have said it better, other than to add, work should be our choice and not a chore. Sure, there are the "chore-like" maintenance things we must do, reports, inventories, documentation, etc. God knows us best because He created us, and no one can do what you, like you do it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded why we took the job in the first place, like renewing our marriage vows. Choose your work because you see it as a calling, as holy unto the Lord, and not a chore. God will bless you in it and make you successful if you choose to love it, or reevaluate, quit, and find a job that is “the intersection of (your) past loves and successes.” *

Max Lucado*

(2-8-24) My mother and daddy were barely married two weeks before he left for active duty in WWII.  As his eighteen-year-old wife, mom finished her senior year of high school, received and saved all his paychecks, then bought a wedding ring and a house when he returned. She had all the blessings and benefits of being daddy's wife, except that he was not physically with her. They wrote letters, etc., but when he returned home from the war, this was the biggest and best blessing for her. We, the betrothed of the Lord, can think of our lives in the same way and expect he will return for us to be with us, in person. While here, we can expect his provision until He comes. We daily rely on His love letters written throughout Scripture, and expect the biggest blessing is His Second Advent. Of all His benefits, help, and provisions, this is the one we look forward to the most.

(2-7-24) We know when change is coming by certain signs. After the pollen, we get out the sun umbrellas, clean the lawn chairs and cushions, etc., and get ready for summer. The Lord tells us all the signs of His second coming in Matthew 24, like earthquakes, more trouble than we've ever seen, and people bringing blasphemous things into holy places (24:15), etc. Having read through the Scriptures, we know we're also promised revival in the land. God will pour out His Holy Spirit in the last days!  Jesus says God will shorten the bad times, otherwise, His chosen people won't make it! I believe God's power of acceleration can speed up things for Christ’s return that would otherwise take too long. Is something taking too long? Trust God's timing, but also, there's nothing wrong with asking Him to speed it up. Speed up the orders of the Lord that are right because this makes people happy (Ps. 19:8). Stay confident that God will provide all that we need to endure troubled times and come out as victors. If it all needs speeding things up, the one who stays ready, is ready! Come Lord Jesus, come!

(2-6-24) Every morning when I take Little Bit (our chihuahua) outside and see the Big Dipper right up over my head, in the same place, upside down, I can hear God saying, "You can rely on Me today."  That Big Dipper is always going to be there until the end of time, showing consistency. Reliability in research depends upon the researcher’s consistency in following the research methodology and design. God has a methodology and design that He has followed since becoming our Creator. He told Moses In Exodus 24:25-26 that if His people would worship Him and obey His commandments, He will bless their bread and water, take away their sicknesses, give them children, long life, etc., etc. These are very good things—everything we could ever want. Matthew's Gospel tells us the teachings of God that are most important are: (1) showing justice, (2) mercy and (3) loyalty (Matt. 23:23). Our Almighty Father God made the Big Dipper to be a witness of His consistency, reliability, and loyalty. Be reminded today that if God can make sure the billions of stars are in their places each night, He can keep us in our places as well. We can trust Him to help us navigate our next steps because His Word and His promises are consistent, when we consistently do our best to worship and obey Him.  Praise Him today for His justice, mercy, consistency, reliability, and loyalty to us!

 

(2-5-24) Ladders help us reach things that are high off the ground. When climbing a corporate ladder, others might just pull us off to go higher themselves. Ouch! Climbing higher spiritually is a ladder for one person at a time. Other believers who have experienced the climb want to help us, and will hold the ladder steady, encourage and support us as we step higher. Everything we do as believers becomes a ladder taking us higher to those glorious heights where we bask in God’s presence and sense the joy of the experiencing… humility. Looking up to Him for direction, wisdom, healing, and help, helps us climb to where we can identify pride in ourselves, especially if we want to get down. Holiness unto the Lord reflects on humility’s facets—like a sparkling diamond.

(2-4-24) Love is something that can be described in so many different ways, but we usually "catch" love from others as they toss it to us. We learn to love, by being loved. It's a crazy cycle that works the opposite way as well, so basically, we will love ourselves the way we've been loved. This process is never perfect in our imperfect world thus, we have a difficult time, sometimes, knowing how to love ourselves, God and others. We must go up higher to learn how to love and be loved by a perfect Heavenly Father, a perfect friend/brother/spouse in Christ Jesus with the perfect amount of love's energy flowing through us from the Holy Spirit. All this to say, every day that if we love God, consistently, with all our heart, mind and soul, we WILL approach loving ourselves with a very different perspective. We will be less hard on ourselves and reach out to others with the same kindness. True love means you can't live without that person a single day and this is kind of love we should have and show to God. He continually loves us with reliability, so we can pass it on to others.

(2-3-24) Sometimes that old saying is true. We can't see the forest because of the trees! Trees need to be pruned from time to time but the process can reveal problems that were covered up by the big picture. Getting into the thick of it, we can find one that is too high or too big to tackle with just one chainsaw. Looks like we have to call in a professional! What seems so easy from the ground becomes difficult for us the perspective changes. It's the same with our goals and objective, our dreams and visions sometimes. The closer we get, the harder it seems to complete the task. This is when we just have to step back, and call in a professional. God is the professional. Hand it over to Him. We can be sure He has a better way, equipment, and more power. Trust Him, call Him, and expect Him to show you His better way to get the job done. Yes, it could take longer, especially if He tells us we have to chip away small piece at a time, going out, or up, again and again, but God will provide our need for strength and patience to reach the goal (Ps. 18:36).  Praise Him!

(2-2-24) We complain. Come on now, don't act like you don’t! Today's reading in Exodus 15 and 16 reminds us that when we are "the saved" of the Lord, He doesn't want us to go around complaining! Why? Because we are the light in all the ugly darkness of this world. What can we possibly do? We shine our lights so a child will trust us and come to us for help. We're not afraid to report something wrong when we see it. We salt everything we do with love before serving it to others, and most importantly, we stop complaining! Our God is the only true God, and He promises that not only will HE overcome the evil, but WE will overcome it as well with the good that we do. Fear not and mumble not! Trust Him to show you what to do each day that will grow His Kingdom of love and light and in this world. Our praise and our faith multiply our fruit exponentially. Don't kick yourself too hard when you forget and start to grumble, because we're all human. Just pick up your tambourine, like Miriam did, and advise everyone around you to sing praises too, because God is worthy of our praise, not our complaints (Ex. 15:21).

(2-1-24) When we get mad about something, have our say and walk off, we feel a sense of having won, but more often than not, we damage someone else by doing this. Why is it that sulking, complaining, or pouting is allowed? We feed the flesh sweet deserts instead of feeding our spirits the protein of the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes God wants us to walk around our problem sea, but other times He wants us to walk through it, which can only be done with His help. Only He can part the waters and provide a dry path for us. Slave masters we left yesterday, will chase us down and try to overtake us again today. Understand this, God does not want us to go back to Egypt. Stand still and watch what He can do. Trust His power, and timing. Believe that He is a good Father and has good plans for a good future that does not include being a slave to anything or anyone. Praise Him, that He is about to part the sea, and walk through it today on a clear, dry path to freedom.

(1-31-2024) Even the thought of slave labor is abhorrent to us. The children of Israel became slaves in Egypt because the King who did not know Joseph, saw them as a threat. They behaved like baby elephants who are chained at birth and stay put as adults when the chains are removed. The Egyptians had stripped the Israelites of an awareness of their own strength. God sees their circumstances, hears their cries, and sets them free. So, why does Christ come along later and say, "If you want to be great in the Kingdom, you must be servant to all!" Serving others like a slave is not a concept that sits right in our minds, but the Master who gave His life for us, is the One with the Highest position, serving others. Believers! We are to serve others in our positions, high or low! Christ adds this question in our reading today, "Are you able to drink from the same cup that I am about to drink?" This is the cup of the cross. That's a lot to ask, but that's the question for each one of us today. God keeps watch over us, and provides everything we need, even our faith, to successfully serve Him by serving others.

(1-30-2024)  When preparing for a performance, I tell my choirs the most important thing is to watch the director and stay connected with the audience. Looking at the person on the left or right just cannot happen! This is easy for adults to understand, but difficult for children’s choirs. When the spotlight is on them, the audience needs to see their beautiful eyes and faces, and never the profile or back of their heads! You will feel insulted if someone talks to you while looking elsewhere! Life is a performance. The spotlight is not always on us, but when it is, we'd better be focused on the One watching (Prov. 5:21). We do everything for the Lord, the Almighty One, giver of every talent and gift. If comparing ourselves in any way to the person beside us, their greater or lesser talent, their higher or lesser position, their bigger or smaller house, we lose our focus and connection with the important One who is watching. Keep that focus today, and for heaven's sake, don't be jealous of anyone!  God directs and runs the spotlight, AND rewards those who diligently seek Him. Praise Him

(1-29-2024) The Southern way of slinging subtle insults about someone is to say, “Bless his/her heart!” or “He or she is just a hot mess!" This can be taken in a positive way, like the person could be an amateur comedian, keeping the world around them in stitches, or as a negative, such as the person is a hopeless alcoholic. A hot mess conjures up mental pictures either way, good or bad. If it is leaning toward the negative, we need to step back and accept that God determines the fate of this person! It is not our job to walk around the mess, it is our "job" as Christian believers, to help restore. First, pray, as Christ prayed in the garden! "Not my will..."  It is often not our will to even get involved. Pray for the person to feel accepted, understood and loved. These qualities of Christ in us are hard to refuse! Their salvation, or getting “their mess” together, could depend upon our prayers. Some things take prayer and fasting (Mt. 17:21), but all things are possible (Mt. 19:26)!

(1-28, 2024) The demands on our time, for example, to do paperwork, create schedules and plans, be in our area of duty, usually include a limited time frame... from early morning to afternoon, or from afternoon to evening. We cannot be late, and we cannot miss too many days, or we will not be successful! Family, marriage, our work, all have certain demands to be met, or things fall will apart. It is the same in our Christian lives. The Lord commands us to be holy as He is holy and promises to teach us how (Ps. 16:11). When we are kept busy by so many other demands, this is the one area that we will let slide. Tithing will have to wait to pay all these bills, and for sure, evening Bible Study or morning devotions can be easily skipped. To learn holiness unto the Lord, we must be in His presence. Our spiritual development is part of His plan for us. Grow in favor with God today by taking time to sit at His feet and learn how to live a holy life.

(1-27-2024) People who handle snakes have built up immunities to the venom and have desensitized themselves to any fear of snakes by picking them up so much. It would take a miracle for me to get me close enough to a snake, let alone, touch it. Moses experienced several miracles all at once when He heard God talking through a burning bush that was not consumed. God tells him to toss his stick down to prove His power and it turns into a snake. When Moses picks it up, it turns back into a stick. Then, his hand turns into leprosy, and back to wholeness again, and water poured on the ground turns to blood.  That's not enough, however, for Moses to get over his fear of public speaking, so God gives him Aaron, who must be a great speaker.  We know there will be many more miracles to come for Moses to get the Israelites out of Egypt, but for some reason, we doubt God can do miraculous things for us! Like Moses, even after all those miracles, he doubts God can help him with his fear of public speaking. Seriously, Moses?  God is and always will be a God of miracles. Grab that fear, and watch Him change it into something useful for our gain, and for His glory!  Praise Him!

(1-25 & 26 TBA)

(1-24-2024) As humans under “the fall” we acknowledge that we have been guilty of various levels of sin. Someone cuts in front of us in traffic and we feel that primal urge to ram into them like bumper car style. Or how about that person who grates on your last nerve, or someone who doesn't care about the feelings of others, brags about themselves, but never credits you, and in fact, takes credit for your work! We don’t trust these people, so how can we love them? We must love as Christ does. Yes, love them. Love. Christ’s love is the key. He understands WHY they must take credit for your work. Some people are starving for validation, and that type of need is something only God’s love call supply. God so loved us (and them) that He gave His Son's life for us... while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8)! Wow! That's the kind of love we can trust! When praying, "How Long?" trust His love. While crying out to God for an answer, trust His love. When wondering if this will ever end, trust His love. That love translates into grace, and His grace is sufficient for all our needs. Praise Him! Trust His Love today.

(1-23-2024) Are you always looking over your shoulder, waiting for the next "shoe to fall," so to speak? Negative, never a smile, always rushing, or sluggishly meandering by. What kind of life is that? We only have one life, so why live it without trusting the Lord! He sees, He hears, He knows, and He responds to the cries of His children. He gives justice when He sees that it is time. "Now, I will rise up and save… (Ps. 12:5)." Live by faith, not by sight, looking for His hand of justice to guide today’s path. 

(1-22-2024) Even the best of the best can be overwhelmed with life’s circumstances. Jacob was overwhelmed at the thought of losing his last son, having already lost his favored wife, and Joseph, the favored son.  Benjamin, Joseph's only brother of Rachel no doubt, took Joseph's place in Jacob’s eyes. Jacob has no idea that letting go of Benjamin, will be the key to God restoring Joseph to him! What are we holding on to today that God is trying to get from us to test our faith? Let go! God promises nothing will hold us back; and we will not be overwhelmed (Prov. 4:12)!  Praise Him!

(1-21-2024) Selective memory is much like selective hearing! We can somehow block both, consciously or unconsciously. Imagine Joseph sitting in that prison hoping every day that the king's servant will remember him. He translated a dream the servant had which prophesied the servant being freed from prison and reinstated as the king's cup bearer. As the servant left the cell, Joseph asked him to remember him, no doubt meaning, ask the king to release me! And there he sat, days, months, years, we don't know how long the cup bearer forgot. At the right time, age thirty for Joseph, the cup bearer remembers and you know the story, Joseph is called upon to translate the king's dreams. Jesus began his ministry at age thirty. Perhaps, Joseph still had some growing up to do. Our God can do anything and everything, even control memory, heal memory, bring back memory, or help us to forget painful memories. When Joseph had his two boys he said that God has helped him forget the awful things done to him. Trust God. Relax. Choose to turn over every thought to Him. He can help handle the good, the bad and the ugly and at the right time, bring to mind what we need… to help us find freedom.

(1-20-2024) There are things in life that we MUST not change, i.e., the wording in a license, in contracts, wills, or historical documents, etc. However, people want to do it all the time! We want to take a former agreement and conform it to our new perspectives. There are great heresies being taught today about history due to people boldly revising it. The same thing happens with Scripture. Sure, we can argue that many things in the Bible are not going to work in today's culture, but the bare bones of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that He came to save sinners! Some teach that everyone, no matter their good or bad choices, no matter the evil they do, will live with God for all eternity. If this is true, why did Jesus have to come to save us from an eternal death sentence of being eternally separated from God? From Jesus’ own mouth, we read today in Matthew 13:50:  "The angels will throw the evil people into the blazing furnace, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain." He repeats this phrase (in KJV), "there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth," several times in this chapter. How do revisionists revise this? Do they skip over it, or take out completely, or maybe put a time frame on it so it is not really forever? I fear for them, especially if they are teachers and preachers of the Gospel. Jesus says, "It will be this way." Who do you believe?  Jesus, and the credibility of Matthew who is quoting Him, or the revisionists? In the end, the cream, and only the cream will rise to the top… to heaven.

(1-19-2024) After twenty years, Esau forgave Jacob for stealing his birthright and blessing. That seems about right! I can remember a few dastardly things that happened to us twenty years ago that God has made right. If we truly understand the good and bad things that happen in the Bible, we could understand forgiveness. Look at Judah's transgression with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. He refused to do the right thing after her husbands, his first and second sons died. Culturally speaking, he was to give her his last son so she could have a child. Tired of waiting, she disguises herself and tricks him into thinking she is a prostitute.  Sounds like reality TV! She gets pregnant, and Judah finds out about it. He orders her to be burned to death for HER transgression while his friend, Hirah, (Gen. 38:20) covered up his! Double standard, hypocrisy, disgusting injustice, yes, all of the above! What happens next is that Tamar provides proof of Judah’s sex purchase and he acknowledges all that he had done wrong (38:26). God forgives and through Judah’s mistake, Jesus is born through the lineage of Judah and Tamar. Understand that God forgets our sins when we own up to them! We have trouble forgetting, but HE does not. In His higher ways, He can somehow remove them from His memory. However God chooses to do it, WE don't have to wait twenty years for Him to get over it. God forgets and moves on immediately! Understand this teaching and move on today! Forgive others like God does, and also, forgive yourself! Perhaps this is what holds us back from being that good ground Jesus talks about in Matthew 13—accept forgiveness and move on to produce good fruit for His Kingdom (Matt. 13:23)!

(1-18-2024) Music students need to learn concert etiquette. One would think that people automatically know things like, don't get up and walk around during a performance, don't text or use cell phones, or, wait for applause before entering the auditorium. We all have to be taught codes of ethical behavior. Sadly, classes on ethics, knowing right from wrong, have been taken out of curriculums as if it’s a dead language. Our country's political arena is dismal proof that we’ve been neglecting ethics and etiquette today. Jesus reminds us that we will be judged for every careless word we say (Mt. 12:36). He prefaces this with, "Good people have good things in their hearts and so they say good things. But evil people have evil in their hearts, so they say evil things (Mt. 12:35)." We've allowed today’s cultural norms to blur our definition of good, and consequently, our definition of evil. When God's Spirit abides in our hearts at salvation, He makes our hearts good. Good works and good words are products of His Spirit’s presence in our hearts. Negative thinking about ourselves or others is useless to God. All the "I can'ts" are not coming from the Spirit within who says, "I can do all things through Christ." Think before you speak: "Is this really helpful?" Build up the Kingdom of God today and like that old chorus says: “Brighten the corner where you are!”

 

(1-17-2024) Even though Jacob and Esau kissed and made up, (after twenty years) Jacob doesn't trust fully him. After all, Jacob stole Esau's birthright AND his blessing! Jacob told Esau he's going to settle in one place, but after Esau heads out with his four hundred men, Jacob turns and goes to another place. You and I get it.  Trust takes time, and in this case, more than twenty years. It is only through Christ Jesus that we can truly forgive and truly trust another person who has done us wrong. Because we know we've been forgiven, truly forgiven for the things we've done wrong, we find it easier to forgive. Jesus brings a whole new way of thinking into the world.  He wants us to be kind! K-I-N-D! Try it!  Go out today, determined to do the kind things, and genuine forgiveness will follow… in time.

(1-16-2024) Chuck's wrestling career was cut short in High School when he caught the dreaded "mat rash."  The bacterium on those mats is hard to kill! During that season, I watched from the sidelines and was amazed at how up close and personal wrestling is. It is quite an intimate sport. Think about God creating man and putting this sense of "grrrrr" in him to want to wrestle. Somehow, God wrestled with Jacob in Genesis 32. No doubt having a twin brother, Jacob became good at wrestling, so good that God had to say, "Let me go!"  Perhaps we need to study these passages to understand more about what it means to wrestle with God. Some liken it to praying in the spirit, or being willing to pray through the night until the answer comes. My grandmother was accustomed to praying all night. It may take some prior conditioning and working up to it but be willing to go to the mat and meet the Lord in prayer and don't let go until the answer comes… or until He grants a blessing! Jacob’s blessing resulted in a changed name and heart. He went from a deceiver to a godly patriarch. It is okay to wrestle with God for such a wonderful blessing!

(1-15-2024) Everyone loves a “potty party” when the toddler being trained hits the mark. I remember the whole family clapping and singing, “Tee-tee in the potty!” to the tune of that conga dance song. There’s an innocence and joy that we’d like to protect forever. Jesus says in Matthew that we should share Christ's love like this, with innocence, shouting it from the housetops! This takes wisdom and boldness by one who lives high-above the fray of pettiness, gossip, or slander. Are we there yet? Are we living at that high level of wisdom and innocence? Something to consider today! 

(1-14-2024) This doesn't make sense to us now. Isaac blesses the wrong son and he can't take it back? Esau can't dispute it in court? No, a man's word USED to be final. It's all in what we believe to be true. If we think it's okay to say things, even shake on it, and then decide to dissolve or change everything later, then it becomes the norm, which it has. Divorce, contract disputes, everywhere we turn people renege on promises made. What a shame! In today's reading, Isaac is true to his word, and his blessing on Jacob, even though Jacob manipulated it. God blesses people in the same way because He knows the heart, and He has a plan.  We get this notion that He's going to change His mind, but when He says He will bless us, He keeps His Word.  Our own way of thinking is the problem... believe it! God does not break a promise.

(1-13-2024) Educators must be committed to lifelong learning. We don't ever get to the place where we close our doors and teach only what we've always taught! We constantly learn from each other, from teachers with more experience, or from teachers with other creative ideas, from research, and from the students themselves. We stand aside and honor those who have our backs by leading us. When we do this, we see the blessings flow. Anyone with a big ego needn’t apply to teach! Those who cannot learn and honor each other, will have trouble honoring God. Jim and I have learned over the years, it's best to honor God with our tithe at the beginning of the month! Honoring Him in the big and little things, brings about blessings that come in so many ways, but especially, in an outpouring of peace... peace that passes our understanding! Praise Him!

(1-12-2024) What a coincidence! I’ve been needing to call someone but I get distracted every time I think about doing it... get in the check-out line at Hobby Lobby and there she is!!! This kind of thing happens to me all the time! Once I had a dream about a student helping me pull a wagon. I believe God gives us some insider information in our dreams, because this child is rather quiet and unexpressive. Why this child out of 750 children? Who do I see in the grocery store? This child with her family! I believe God wanted me to pay more attention to her for some reason, and so I found ways to connect more with her. God uses all sorts of ways to lead us each day.  His still small voice comes in the way of remembering scripture, or perhaps, it comes from another human being... or perhaps an angel! Yes, I believe in angels. Abraham told his servant that an angel would go before him to find a wife for Isaac, and that's exactly what happened. The servant didn’t see the angel, but before he finished his silent prayer at the well outside Abraham's home town, Rebekah came walking through the gate. Proverbs 3:7, reminds us not to depend upon our own wisdom, even our own gut!  If you’ve always heard to trust your gut, you’ve probably heard this as well, “Garbage in, garbage out!” If you're not reading, watching, even eating the right things, you're not going to be able to trust your gut because it might be heartburn or guilt! Put the Scriptures in your head, good preaching and teaching, and ask God through prayer to guide you. Like the servant, before you finish your prayer, He will!

(1-11-2024) It’s nice to exempt a test, or better yet, exempt a class! The rewards of passing tests are greater than getting that degree! Passing makes us believe in our ability to be successful! God knows that success breeds a desire for more success, but failure steals our confidence. This is why it's important for teachers and coaches to reassure a student who fails a test, or a teammate who messes up the final score of the game. But what if a student or a player cheats? What if they refuse to even take the test or come to each game? First things first. They must be obedient to the process and follow the rules of test taking and game playing! Obedience. We expect it as an important part of success in school and sports.  In Genesis, God expects it from Abraham when he tests him by asking him to give up his only son. In Matthew, the disciples have their first test of faith and fail miserably. They are amazed that even the wind and waves obey the Lord... "Peace be still!" Their experience, even though they didn’t pass the test, increased their faith so they’d be ready the next time. If all nature obeys the Lord, shouldn't we?  Don’t prefer to live in fear of the test. Obey the Lord and take every test knowing that He is a good teacher, a great coach, and He never leaves our side. He won't test us beyond our grade-level of faith and He'll do everything He can to prepare us for it.

(1-20-2024) I like to warm-up my choirs with jokes, to which we sing, "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha," in five arpeggios. (Do-mi-so-mi-do) Quite often, one of my choir members will come in with a good joke as well. One of my altos told us a true story that her grandson came to his Mama and said, "I hurt!"  She asked him if he hurt inside or outside. The little guy turned around and ran outside! He came back in and said, "Both!" "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" We all hurt sometimes, inside, AND outside, and we need healing! Having faith NOW is important when asking. We only live right NOW, so our faith must be consistent as we make our requests before God. Ask the Lord to heal the hurt today, for yourself or a brother/sister, and just as you believed he would... He will! Have faith like Abraham that God will provide a lamb… or another son (Gen. 22:8). Praise Him that He authors our faith, but we must believe it… NOW.

(1-9-2024) If you want to learn how to debate, you practice, just like anything else. Middle Schools have debate clubs. They go to Model UN, and debate for their country!  We see it as higher -level reasoning/thinking skills. God, being so much higher in His ways, no doubt, enjoys a good debate. Reading the conversation between Abraham and the Lord in Genesis chapter eighteen gives us a good template. Lots of respect, lots of good reasons, lots of understanding and lots of deep concern go into Abraham's side of the debate. We see similar prayers in the Psalms, and all throughout God's Word.  He wants us to present our good reasons, and to pray without ceasing!  In doing this, we learn His ways, and most importantly, His language of wisdom... just as a good Father is patiently teaching his child to speak his language by conversing with the child, God teaches us wisdom, through prayer.

(1-8-2024) I have Hallmark movies, Jim has Kentucky basketball and Steelers football!!  So, in one of these Hallmark movies, Dolly Parton plays a role in helping a young couple find love along with fulfilling their vocational goals. She tells the leading lady, who wants to be a writer, "You can be whatever you want to be, if you believe you can!" (Never thought I'd be quoting Dolly!) Well, there it is! This is exactly the theme of Abraham's life. It starts with God's promise to him for a son of his own, in Genesis chapter fifteen.  Some twenty years later, God fulfills the promise, but while Abraham and Sarah are waiting on it, they get antsy, just like we do. They cross the line with their own interventions to "help" God, but God doesn't need any help... all He needs is to see our faith—whether or not we believe in Him. Our faith makes us right with Him - period.  Believe… read and GET some promises today. Time will prove Him right, fair, and loyal to His Word.  Praise Him!

(1-7-2024) Rhythm is more easily taught using speech.  We talk rhythmically. Children can “catch” the rhythm of a sentence and play it on a drum. Suddenly, without understanding how it happened, children are playing rhythms together, because they are saying the same sentence in the same way. As Christians, we need to learn what God says in His Word, and say it the same way. By meditating, praying, and reading His WORDS, we know His will. It is that simple. This is His will for us… to know His will. But, we must take the time to learn the sentences. His will and our hearts will soon be on the same page, playing the same rhythms.  By the power of His Spirit in us, we will not want to do anything BUT His will, and we will know God.  Praise Him!

(1-6-2024) God provides the motivation we need, daily, to keep us moving toward goals He has given us. Those visions and dreams are godly plans that are for His Kingdom and His glory, so He wants us to reach them! Yesterday I heard a radio preacher using today's reading in Genesis as a text, encouraging people not to settle! Abraham's father, Terah, was planning to go to the promised land, but settled in Ur of Babylonia. Later, Abraham will be the one to reach the goal God had given his father. This is an example how that God's plan will be followed, His goals met, if not by us, then, by someone else! God gives us things to do in life that we cannot do on our own. We tend to settle when there's any kind of road block because we want it now!!  God knows how much we can handle at any given time. Turning the other cheek is not easy, and along the way, we will have to do some of that. When we get to a snag, w simply ask Him to make things easier just like David did in Psalm 4:1: "Answer me when I pray to You, my God who does what is right.  Make things easier for me when I am in trouble. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer." Some of us need to pray that prayer today. "God, just make this easier for me!" Don't settle for Ur, when God gave you plans for Canaan! Believe it even when persecuted! God wants you to achieve it!

(We experienced a power outage 1-6-2024, and one again this morning, so we are getting caught up.)

(1-5-2024) We fear and worry about things we don’t understand. How can someone be blessed when grieving or persecuted? God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus is preaching to people of a different day and culture, but the message is as radical to them as it is to us… blessed are those who grieve? Whatever can that mean? Hindsight teaches us that grieving makes us a better comforter for others who grieve. If we never grieved, we would not know empathy, which identifies with the pain of another person. Grieving includes one’s experience of the Great Comforter providing peace, strength, and the assurance of a loved one’s eternal wholeness and rest. The comforts of grieving would never be known without having grieved. The benefits of self-control are numerous and can only be honed by turning the other cheek. Self-awareness, spiritual growth, and much more comes from experiencing these hard situations where we must develop control over our urges to strike back, defend, or hurt someone in return. How can we be blessed when going through trials? By hiding the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, such as these, deep within our hearts.

(1-4-2024) We've had a lot of rain lately! It's easy for Jim's trucks and trailers to get bogged down when hauling around his heavy equipment for “Dock Dynasty,” his little retirement business. I think he enjoys getting stuck sometimes so he can play in the mud! Calling for assistance is a last option, but we're not going to leave that truck and trailer in the mud! We will work so hard to hoist a vehicle out of a ditch, but be won't keep trying to help a soul stuck in the mud of sin. "Because they just keep on the same muddy roads carrying the same heavy loads!" They need an olive leaf of hope from others to help them move forward, even if just a few steps at a time.* Like Noah, hope that the rain has stopped came from the olive branch in the mouth of a little dove. God sends us hope. Hope can melt hearts of stone. Calling for His assistance should not be our last option, but our daily plan of action. He wants us to try again. Open the window and send out that dove of peace. In God's time, it will return with hope in its beak… the rain has stopped.*

*Max Lucado

(1-3-2024) Our boys’ baby pictures and pre-school pictures are practically identical, even though they are fourteen years apart! If their hair didn’t stick out of their hand-made mortar hats, diploma in hand, ready to take on the world, they would look like twins! Jimmy has always had a head of dark black hair (now graying!) and Chuck's was blond (now brown). Two little cuties, made in our image and we couldn't be more proud and in love with both of them!  Meg's baby pictures look like mine so that is really special to me. God looks at us the same way. Go look in the mirror and think about how much you look like your heavenly father! I'm looking more and more like my mother every day! Her eyes, hands, fingernails, feet, heart, mind and soul are all mine to claim and inherit. Think how we are becoming more and more like Christ as we walk through another years with Him. We see ourselves doing the things that show we are His, being the light in the darkness, and the comfort others need in times of sorrow and tribulation. Glory!

(1-2-2024) The innocence of pre-school children is priceless. We want to guard them from anything or anyone who would steal it from them. We don't want them to grow up too fast, so we protect them as long as possible from "the adult world." Right now, they don't have, or need to have all the answers, because we are committed to taking care of them! We dress them, feed and shelter them, play age-appropriate games and make plans for them. God had hoped to do the same with His creation, but they grew up too fast. Satan stole their innocence. God is in the future, outside of time, so He already knew the answers to not only His own questions, but to their questions.  He also knew the consequences of their actions. He has to teach them now, how to dress, how to work, how to "everything" because His heart is FOR His children, even when they sinned against Him. We can easily give God heartache! This year, pray for a better understanding of goodness, and shun the evil. Ask for God to guide. Pray about everything because God has the answers for everything, before we even ask.

(1-1-2024) Happy New Year and "Another 365-day trip around the sun (Bobby Darnell's line)!" I began reading through the Bible for year #15, and am amazed again that when God created heaven and earth, He created day and night first… time! We forget sometimes that He didn't hang up the sun and moon until day four! I love it! God made those first photons in a mysterious way without a sun or moon! God created day without the sun, "and it was good." After creation, mankind fell so that now, we all struggle with time instead of enjoying it! There is never enough time for me in the mornings for sure. Time limits our days and according to Scripture, we are given a general amount of time—seventy years. Thus, we stress over time, which in the beginning, was good! Time should be good for us, working for us, etc. When Christ redeemed us from the fall, time became good for us again. We can look forward to enjoying our journeys around the sun, with Him. Time can either be a noose or a yoke. With Christ, all things work together for good for us! Good times and bad times are woven into the tapestry of our lives, transitioning us through time and into eternity with Him. So, don't stress this year. God is in control of time He alone knows when it's "our time!" Meanwhile, live and celebrate life with Him. Every day is God's gift of more time. Cherish every moment of another journey in 2024, with Him around the sun.

(12-31-23) At the end of December, we look back over the past year and see that God has been faithful through the hurtful things, the loss of a loved one, etc. We find His strength and grace to be enough, more than enough. Pain pushes us into His arms, and His comfort is like no other. Hasn't God assured you through family and friends that His grace is sufficient for every need? We can anticipate a new year with all the blessings we need by saying, "No matter what comes, Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, is and will be more than enough for me. He is my healer, and the lifter of my head. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" Our part includes giving Him a full tenth of our income. That’s difficult for most people in today’s economy. But, by intentionally worshiping Him, tithing, and respecting His Word, we can go ahead and anticipate Him opening up His storehouses of blessing to pour out the blessings we need this new year. Praise Him for the blessings of the New Year right now, December 31, today, in advance, and then watch the fireworks with great joy and anticipation

(12-30-23) We feel special when we’re listed as a donor or even better, we get our names on a plaque or a magazine for something we’ve done! Getting every name into a program is important, especially if it is a children’s musical. Parents and grandparents want to see that special name spelled correctly, and in the right spot. Just think how it will be for grandparents and parents if names are left out of the Lamb's Book of Life.  What's that? Read all about it in Revelation 20. Right now is the time for us to cover our children, grandchildren and loved ones in constant prayer for them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! We have many scriptures that tell us about God's judgement, but we choose to focus on His blessings and favor. I know I do. But we MUST take time to consider eternal consequences for what we do here and now.  Plan to take time in the New Year to cover our families and friends, associates and leaders in prayer for their names, as well as our own, to be written in the Lamb's Book of Lif
e.

(12-29-23) I get a bit overwhelmed thinking about a new year. I want to be sure and fulfill my purpose to carry out this vision that God has given all of us to praise Him. In today’s Word from Revelation 19:5-7, I realized that I should be seeing myself as God sees me: a woman after His own heart, forgiven and fully accepted by Him (1 Kings 8:61; Acts 13:22). We have to be reminded that our purpose is to fellowship, praise and worship our Savior, not just work, work, work! When we fulfill this purpose, we are joined by the millions around the throne, saints and angels, big and small, all with the same purpose! God wants to partner with us in the new year… Emmanuel, God with Us. Jesus, Himself is God’s Word, full of promises, security and hope for each new day of the new year. When we are acknowledging God in all that we do, or HAVE to do, we sense His strength, His endurance, His creativity and most important, His presence within us. THIS causes the peace and joy to well up and overflow into praise and thanksgiving, thus, fulfilling our purpose… to praise Him!

(12-28-23) God wants to bless His children. We're reminded in Zechariah 7-9 this morning that God is watching and He will repay double blessings to any who are being "picked on" (Zech. 8:13) as well as paying double punishments to the perpetrators of evil (Rev. 13:6). We are not to concern ourselves with the latter, but to seek His blessing so we can become a blessing!! That in itself is double blessing. Also, we're not to ever be afraid of being "picked on" but to work hard on the vision God gives us. God's double portions come in many ways, but the best blessing we can receive, is to become a blessing. At Christmas time especially, we experience the joy of giving. Yes, it is truly better to give than to receive, and likewise, it is truly better to be a blessing to others. Praise God that we can be a blessing today.

(12-27-23) After Jim and I were married, we still needed the continual support and guidance of our parents right up until they passed. How much more do we need the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit? As baby Christians, we are so needy, and God understand that and tends to us.  As mature Christians, we are responsible for other babes in Christ. The good news is that God intends for all of us to grow spiritually and successfully contribute to the Kingdom. Praise Him! We are not left alone! As God’s children, we cannot be left alone! He stays with us. By His Spirit, He stays with us to provide the strength we need, the wisdom, and the power to be successful in this life.

(12-26-23) "The Christmas Story" movie is a tradition for most Americans. My favorite part is the big fight scene where the Mama is pulling little Ralphie off the bully and takes him home, cleans his face and tells him to go lie down. Ralphie and his brother are terrified that she's going to tell their father when he gets home, but she barely mentions it at dinner, and Ralphie is saved. She somehow knows Ralphie was being bullied. Her strong love for Ralphie takes him out of the fight, cleans him up and orders his rest because a son is precious to his mother, and whoever hurts him, touches the apple of her eye. On top of all that, she protects him from further punishment! I see parallels to our "Savior" written all over her in these scenes. We all need a Savior to understand what we're going through, and to see our human reactions as just that... human!  Understanding we are but "children" or "clay" makes a big difference in how we are judged by a parent with strong love for us. Be comforted today knowing that God's love is strong, and you are precious to Him. When it's time for evil to end, and all these terrible judgmental things to happen that the Old and New Testaments describe, we will be pulled from the fight, taken home, cleaned up, and told to rest! Praise Him!

(12-25-23) God's blessings are new every morning, but especially at Christmas. In Haggai 2:19 we have a special Christmas promise:  "Do you have seeds for crops still in the barn?  Your vines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not given fruit yet. BUT, from now on I will bless you!" Take this verse as your very own Christmas gift from your Heavenly Father while celebrating Christ's birth today. Have the faith to believe that, starting today, Christmas 2023, God is going to bless you from now on and in 2024, He's going to do things beyond your wildest dreams. Why?  Because He sees how much you love and respect Him and He is pleased with those who trust Him (Ps. 147:11). 

(12-24-23) I tend to kick myself and let my imperfections bother me for days. In fact, I get so wrapped up in blaming myself that I don’t give any credibility to the good things. God gives us the safety to make mistakes and likewise, safety to feel good about the good things we do as well! We aren't being proud by thinking, "That turned out well," or even, "I'm so glad I made the extra effort because I do these things for others." When we see what we do as always for others with love, they will overlook the burned edges on the pie, or the missed accidental in an offertory. Encourage yourself today with the comfort of knowing our Father in heaven is pleased with us, sings over us, and promises us a wonderful 2024, filled with things like: "The King of Israel, the Lord is with you; you will never again be afraid of being harmed (Zeph. 3;15B)!"  Or, " my favorite, today's focus verse, "... I will give you honor and praise from people everywhere, when I make things go well again for you, as you will see with your own eyes (Zeph. 3:20)." God wants to give us honor and praise. Be encouraged so you can be an encouragement to others.

(12-22-23) In marriage, the #1 need for husbands is to be respected by his wife and the #1 need for a wife is security. What a wife needs most is security. There are different trails of examples for each, but there is a parallel of this aspect of marriage and today’s Scripture. The Psalmist says that God gives those who respect Him what they want! He listens when they cry and He saves them (security) (Ps. 145:18). God takes on the role of the husband with us, His bride, the church. What husband wouldn’t WANT to give everything to his wife if he could when she says, "I am so proud of you," or, "I'm am so glad to be your wife!" Respect means we admire and see someone as simply amazing... and we let him/her know it! That's what our husbands need from us, wives, and likewise, our God wants to receive this same kind of respect from us each day as we pray.  With this kind of respect… we can rightly ask!

(12-21-23) It's easy to be kind during the holidays! Sometimes I think God's kindness allows some busy times for us in December to help us escape the pain, like the empty seat(s) at the Christmas dinner table. My mother passed away in December, two days before my biggest concert. We are all going to die! God knows we were not made to carry grief alone, or to bear our sorrows without Him. He finds ways, often through others, to show us His favor and kindness during difficult times. I love it when the Psalmist repeats a prophet's promises in our daily scripture reading, i.e., Micah 7:18: "You will not stay angry forever, because You enjoy being kind," and Psalm 145:8: "The Lord is kind and shows mercy.  He does not become angry quickly but is full of love." Take these verses to heart today. God enjoys being kind to us. He enjoys sharing the yoke with us because He knows how frail we are. Be quick to cast the anxieties, worries and concerns upon Him today because He enjoys being kind to us! Praise Him!

(12-20-23) This is the time of year for secrets. That's a MAJOR part of gift giving.  Most years, we give and receive the usual P&P gifts, pajamas, and perfume, right? But wouldn't we be surprised the one year we receive (or give) a brand-new car? Every December as I read this chapter in Revelation where John is told not to write down what the angel is saying, I wonder... what is this big secret? We've been given so many prophesies about the end times, but I think these specifics spell out the place and the events just prior to the end, that are too wonderful for us to know right now. They will be revealed, like the news of Christ's birth to the shepherds, and we will be shocked, as they were. Prophesies were fulfilled when Christ was born, but now, as we wait for His second coming, the exact time and prior events are still unknown to us. It's not going to be the usual, P&P experience when He comes again. No, this "Christmas" will be the big event... the big gift... "Eye has not seen nor ear heard the things God has planned for His children..." things way better than a brand-new car!  Stay in faith! Yes, the best is yet to come.

(12-19-23) What makes you happy? A full life of love, hope and peace? Who can say they have these things apart from the Lord? He alone is able to give us our hearts’ desires… forgiveness, love, hope, joy, happiness, etc. It's the heart-filling stuff that isn't stuff! It's not money, praise, position, power, pride, etc., it's just pure, holy, godly joy and love. The Psalmist reminds us today," Happy are the people whose God is the Lord (Ps. 144:15)." Don’t look to others to make you happy, especially during the holidays. And don’t look for “stuff” to make you happy either! The opposite of Psalm 144:15, would be this: "Sad are the people whose god is self, riches, power, competition, etc." There can only be One number One in our lives, and it isn’t person holding a selfie stick! Move over and give the deed to your life to the One who loves you more than anyone else—so much more, that He died for you. THIS is undeniable happiness!!

(12-18-23) I’ve used this story before, but it is so appropriate to Jonah’s situation today. One day when teaching elementary school music, one of my five year olds got angry at another student and started making all kinds of disruptive noises with his chair during a short activator video. He obviously needed attention, so I motioned for him to come up to my chair and I put him in my lap. Soon, his little bitty head leaned in, and I found myself rocking him as I do my own grandchildren. After the video, he went back to his seat and behaved throughout the entire class. When it was time to leave, he wanted to straighten all the chairs, all the instruments, and of course, follow my every direction. Isn't that just the way the Lord is with us? He motions to us when we're fidgety. If we'll submit, we'll be comfortable in His arms, and we'll be changed because of it. He rocks us, when we are angry at someone else! Some of us need that this time of year. Others need to be God-like and show grace! We cannot share love that we do not feel. Let God’s Spirit hold You today, and keep you in close proximity, so you can touch the lives of others with the same love.

(12-17-23)) I love white elephant Christmas gifts, where you draw a number and then pick a present, or take someone else's present.  It's so much fun, especially when there's a popular gift that keeps going from hand to hand, and then the very first person gets to have the final say over who keeps it! At one party, we shared some testimonies after all the gifts were opened. I couldn't help saying, "Amen," as a dear sister shared how God healed her daughter's heart physically and spiritually.  It was a foretaste of how it must be in heaven as John describes it in Revelation 7:12: "All the angels were standing around the throne... saying, "Amen!  Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength belong to our God forever and ever." When we give testimony, praise and honor to God, it revitalizes those around who hear it!  We get excited as we realize, if God does it for them, He will do it for us too! Make praising Him and giving testimony to His goodness a goal today. It will strengthen you as well as others, and bless God all at the same time. Praise Him!

(12-16-23) One time after a 5K race, I was so dehydrated that Megan (in high school at the time) had to drive me to the ER. I couldn’t drink Gatorade without upchucking it, couldn’t walk, couldn’t keep my head up… it was bad. After two bagd of fluids, I was able to go home. When we're dehydrated, our physical bodies can't function! It's the same with spiritual dehydration. God wants us to stay hydrated and at the right time, He send the rain. Sometimes we have to seek after Him for it like going to the ER for some intravenous fluids, so to speak. This kind physical hydration is something we do not want for our bodies, but we should beware of spiritual hydration as well. When dehydrated, a quick glass of water won't do it. Being spiritually dry calls for the flow of the spirit directly into our veins, permeating our souls to bring about revival. Spiritually speaking, we can't stay dehydrated for too long either. We have to look after ourselves spiritually as well as physically, and when we do, God will send what we need in time, so that we can remain responsive and used by Him. Praise Him!

(12-15-23) Don’t you love the smells at Christmas time? The pine needles on real garland and trees, or for those of us with allergies, the candles that smell line pine needles. We’ve scented oils to diffuse, put a pot of cinnamon sticks and nutmeg on the stove, bake a turkey, ham, and pumpkin pies… all glorious smells. Throughout the year, we have lots of ways to make our homes smell good. We wear perfume and wouldn't think of leaving home without deodorant because we don’t want to smell bad. Just as scents are important to us here, they are important in heaven. We're reminded today in Revelation 5, that our prayers are carried before the throne as incense in worship, sweet perfume for all of heaven to breathe in. Yes, our prayers play a major part in heaven’s worship. Don't ever think that your prayers aren't heard. They are more than heard! They are saved in golden bowls which then become the sweet aroma that fills the courts of heaven (Rev. 5:8). Join in heaven’s worship today and every day by praying.

(12-13-23) There comes a time when we just throw away something old and get the newest version. The prophesies about the new heaven and earth makes sense. God will someday get rid of the old, deteriorated earth for a new one. I'm impressed today by Joel's writing about how the Lord will be a safe place for us, a strong place of safety for the people of Israel, and of course, that means us (Joel 3:16).  We need to take this promise to heart today.  So many of us have not seen justice... yet, but justice is coming, and it's a promise.  I've lived long enough to see some things work for our good, that we couldn't see how at the time. God's ways are higher than ours for sure. Instead of checking off the answers God has given to our prayers, or the miracles he has performed with or without our asking, we should just work on studying and obey the Truth in Scripture until Christ comes.

(12-11-23) Unhappy people have a difficult time tolerating others and it shows. Clerks, receptionists, etc., can make us feel like a number when giving us a number. the management would want to know if one of their employees acts as if they are tolerating our presence, but we don’t complain because it seems to be part of our culture. Max Lucado says that too often we think being a Christian is similar to walking a tightrope of high expectations, that we'll tumble off into God's net of tolerance.  I love that! There is no net! God is walking the tightrope with us, holding us, keeping us balanced, peaceful, joyful and full of purpose so that we successfully reach the other side... our Heavenly Home. Emmanuel has come—God with us. The choice is indeed ours, to accept His special love and freedom from sin. Praise Him!

(12-10-23) Teachers, doctors, law enforcement professionals, etc., are all mandated reporters. It is mandated that we report signs of abuse. It's a difficult task! A child who comes to school in the same stinky clothes day after day, greasy, uncombed hair is an indication of neglect, which is a form of abuse. Not helping that child would be criminal. Jude is reminding us that we are to help others out of a similar predicament called sin. We don't blame and chide, "Why in the world did you fall in the mud?" We have mercy, mixed with fear that the law will come after us if we don't help them out! That would be neglect, which is a form of abuse. Even Michael, the angel, didn't judge Satan when he argued with him over the body of Moses (Jude 9). He simply said, "The Lord punish you." Let the Lord take care of the judgments and the punishments... our job is to be merciful and to pray in the Spirit. Pray for others to hate their dirty sins and seek the love of God who wants to make their hearts white as snow.

(12-9-23) There are the natural born leaders, and then there are those who prefer to follow, but all of us basically start out wanting our own way. We must be trained in the right way! Children not only want their own way, but they want it NOW! Much of our training includes drilling patience, sharing, caring, and giving. These are all such good, common-sense things, that it seems ridiculous to have to learn them! Unfortunately, common sense isn't that common! Are we following and learning from righteous leaders who have common sense? John talks about an evil leader in the church (3 John) who lies and says evil things about others. He is manipulative and kicks people out who disagree with him. Power-hungry people have selfish, unfulfilled needs, but people controlled by the Spirit have their needs met by the Spirit. A power-hungry person needs constant attention. We must identify the righteous leaders who follow the Lord because we all need good mentors and good leaders, so that we are fit to lead the next generation.

(12-8-23)  There are elephants that wander into our rooms at home, at school, at work, etc. Addressing one side or the other causes a "throw-up-type-mess" that no one wants to see or try to clean up! However, elephants make our limited spaces very uncomfortable! The small book of 2 John reminds us of those with whom we should fellowship as Believers, and those with whom we should not! "Many false teachers are in the world now who do not confess that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human.  Anyone who does not confess this is a false teacher and an enemy of Christ. (2 John 7)." John goes on to say in verse nine, "Anyone who goes beyond Christ's teaching and does not continue to follow only His teaching does not have God. But whoever continues to follow the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son." We have a responsibility to be sure we understand and follow Christ's teachings, but how do we do that?  We study the life of Christ in the Gospels. Also, we spend time with Him in private worship as well as corporate worship. When we worship Him, we get a better glimpse of His face, His love and of course, His Spirit. This Spirit in us reaches out in love to kind and loving to others, especially to those who share God's same Spirit. If we are truly loving others, as Christ WOULD, and we're not accepted, then it's not our fault! Our job is to live a life of love (2 John 6).

(12-7-23) John Wesley witnessed the great hope of the Moravians as he shared a terrifying experience with them while sailing back to England. A threatening storm came up and while he was out of his mind with fear, they were singing hymns, as peaceful as babes in their Father's arms. John Wesley knew right then and there, he needed the kind of relationship with God. He needed that kind of love that overcomes all fear. Love, faith, and hope are vital for our success as Believers. Hope in a victorious future gives us great power to step around or over whatever the devil puts in our path to trip us. Our power for the present comes from the hope we have in the future.* That phone call with a bad report turns us immediately toward our Father with a prayer for Him to have control and to handle things, while we reaffirm our love and trust in Him... period. There shouldn't be worry... only immediately calling on Him for the battle is won. Our victory is secure. We have already overcome the world, by having hope in our Heavenly Father.  We'd handle things for our own children if we had the power to do it, and likewise, our Heavenly Father will handle everything for us, because with Him, ALL things are possible!  Praise Him!

(12-6-23) Little children have much to learn about self-control and respect! Usually, pulling them close for a loving hug will make their bad attitudes melt away. The needed closeness, along with the attention, is something we all need in our lives to reassure us. As we grow, just having someone hold our hand works wonders. I thank God that He takes hold of us by the infilling of His Spirit and walks us through life, and never lets go. There will be tribulation and sometimes, consequences, but we are known and loved by Him, and with His hold on us, we will grow and come out victorious and blessed with God's best.

(12-5-23)  For those of us on Facebook, when we get a friend request, we're interested to know who our mutual "friends" are!  We'll click on that person's profile and check out who they know! Likewise, as Believers, we enjoy the fellowship of other believers because of our mutual friend, Jesus Christ. With all the scamming in the world today, getting a a "friend request" from someone with whom we have no shared friends causes red flags. I've had a few of these from countries like Saudi Arabia so of course, I was not comfortable "friending" them and clicked, "not now." I think people in the world of sin might check out Believers in much the same way. They may not feel comfortable "friending" us because they don't have Jesus Christ as a mutual friend. Think about this today and look at the sinner differently, as Christ does. He loves them enough, that while they are still sinning, he died for them...  Love the sinner, and pray for those relationships. Pray they see us as friends, and want to "friend" our Savior.

(12-2-23)  "I hate when this happens!" I bought a set of 8 tea lights and one has a broken switch!  Do I take them all back to store? The cost of gas and time tells me, "Forget it!" I move on with my life. The word "hate" fits in this situation, but what about this one: "I hate the team and especially the coach of the team who scored in the last minute of the game to beat our team." Hmmm, I've heard that one a lot lately.  It's December play-offs! Of course, we're going to hear about this kind of hate. John reminds us that if we obey God's teaching, God's love will reach its goal within us. His love doesn't live with hate. "Anyone who says, 'I am in the light,' but hates a brother or sister, is still in the darkness...whoever hates a brother or sister does not know where to go, because the DARKNESS has made that person blind (1 John 9:9-11). Be careful. We are to BE the light in this evil world. Watch what or who you say you hate! For sure, those walking in darkness need to see the light in us, not just more of what they already have. BE the light today, all day, everywhere!

(12-3-23)  There are times when we wouldn't dare get into other people's business and we say, "I don't want to know." But in today's reading in Daniel, chapters nine and ten, we see that an angel comes and asks Daniel to stand up with him in battle! These two chapters give us insight into the fighting that goes on in the heavenlies, over us! Much worse than a custody battle, this is warfare similar to what our armies train for and experience when deployed. Gabriel is telling Daniel that he was "deployed" before Daniel finished praying for help. After a long battle with "the Prince of Persia" Gabriel reveals that no "one" came to help him except for Michael, “the angel ruling over your people” (Dan. 10: 21). We hear stories of soldiers calling for air strikes or troop assistance, but it's not something we think could be happening between angels on our behalf. Gabriel says that Daniel can be supportive by standing up and being courageous. My interpretation of this would be to stay in faith, and courageously continue in prayer, trusting God is in this fight with the angels over us. God has the final say and as His much loved children, we are on the side of victory.

(12-2-23) Jim understands a lot of things about construction and electricity. In fact, my husband being the Jack-of-all-trades that he is, can do most everything except plumbing. He passes the baton on things like installing toilets! We all understand how to use electricity and indoor plumbing, even if we can't fix or install it. When Jim works with electricity, he takes it very seriously and makes sure all the electrical currents are turned off. At the right time, he can safely turn it all back on. In today's reading, Daniel describes two different visions, three years apart that God gives him about the set time of the end (Daniel 7 & 8). It's as if evil will rule, and God's power is shut off... for a time. Daniel admits in chapter eight, verse twenty-seven, "...I was very upset about the vision. I didn't understand what it meant."  Likewise, we should be concerned about the "signs of the times" all around us! It's okay not to fully understand all these prophesies just as Daniel didn't fully understand them, but we need to know the power behind all of it, and be serious about praying for others, sharing with them and spreading the gospel. Understand that God does not want anyone to perish, so our prayers for the lost and our witness are important. Pray that hearts will change, and trust the Holy Spirit to do His part of convicting and convincing hearts to change. 

(12-1-23) It's officially Advent! The stores have been playing Christmas music since October, but December 1, marks the real start of Christmas for most of us. We all love the parties, the fellowship, giving gifts, the love, the fun, the programs, etc., etc., and they are all good things, but they can easily take our focus away from our Savior. Our immune systems need pumped up because we'll stay up too late, get stressed over all the details, and then we have to cancel our plans due to illness. Let's change it this year! Don’t get wrapped up in the season’s events to the extent that they control you. Watching the world celebrate Christmas without Christ is like watching prisoners leading other prisoners (2 Peter 2:18-19). They are not free! This Christmas, let's focus on radiating our freedom in Christ Jesus everywhere we go. Maybe, add a hopeful scripture verse on the gift tags to fit that friend or family member’s unique situation. Yes, it would take a little extra time to research the appropriate scripture to encourage and meet each need, but trust the Holy Spirit to lead you in your witnessing/radiating efforts. Remember, that’s the Spirit's job, not only at Christmas but every day of the year, to help us radiate Jesus Christ. This should be our focus as well... every day, but especially during Christmas!

(11-30-23) We need faith, more faith, like the young men thrown in the furnace. We need courage and self-control to be effective witnesses for our Lord. When tempted to over-react, Solomon reminds us, "Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs (Prov. 29:11). When we're threatened, cheated, talked about, or on the losing team, we must trust the faith of our examples in scripture, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When they addressed the king to inform him that even if he throws them into the blazing furnace, the God they serve is able to save them from it, and from his power, they didn't add, "na-na-na-na-na!" No, they added, "O King!" Things were going to get so hot for them, but they remained respectful and I believe, calm and soft-spoken in their reactions and answers. These added things, kindness, patience, self-control, etc., are add-ons to our faith, according to 2 Peter 1:5. Peter says that because we share in God's nature, we do our best to add these things to our faith: goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, service, kindness, and love. These add-ons make us productive and useful in the Kingdom. So, we must first of all stay in faith no matter the circumstances, trusting in God's defensive power to save us. Then,  add courage, as well as all the other gifts of the Spirit to be productive today.

(11-29-23) God’s miracles abounded in Daniel’s life. He interprets the King's dream without being told the dream! Daniel and his friends pray that God will reveal to him the dream as well as the interpretation to avoid death. Daniel’s faith saved not only his life, but the lives of all who were considered, “wise men.” God favor on Daniel’s life is evident. As a political prisoner, Daniel is favored by those who give him food. This favor gives him an audience, and an appointment with the king. After Daniel shares the dream and its interpretation, the king falls down before Daniel... now that's favor! God bestows favor on us when we humble ourselves, not just before him, but before others. Daniel started his interpretation by saying, "It's not that I'm any better than anyone else, it's that there is a God in heaven Who is so powerful and gracious, that HE gives us the answers I am giving you today (Daniel 2:28). Daniel understood his limits. We must understand our limits too, and give God the glory He deserves for His many blessings and answers to prayer.

(11-28-23) TBA

(11-27-23) It is easy for me to get bored while reading measurements of rooms in the Temple. What does all this mean for today? God, through His amazing power to speak to us through chapters of measurements and rules, that we should not just change our exit route as we leave His presence, but we should change our hearts and minds. We come into worship one way, and leave another. Certainly, we all need this symbolism today. The Lord doesn't change, and He doesn't have to change... it's my heart that needs to change! Through His Word He reminds me, "You will never be disappointed if you trust in me.  Don't be afraid of what they fear, do not dread those things (1 Peter 3:14)."  Now these are some wonderful Words should will change your heart worshiping at home today! Enter your prayer closet with your heart one way, and exit differently, chan
ged. Praise Him!

(11-26-23) I've no desire to go back in time, nor to travel forward in the future for that matter. Peter reminds us today that at one time, we were not God's chosen people. No Christian truly wants to go back to BC, before Christ, but sometimes we get distracted and forget commitments made. When God sets us free from our prison of sin, He doesn't just give us a suit and a little bit of cash for a bus ticket. No, we accept the Lord as our Savior, His arms around us, His Spirit within us, and His mercy, grace, favor and honor become our new expectations. This is more than a clothing and transportation, it's every need met beyond our highest hopes or dreams, according to His riches in glory, because now… God's mercy says, “Old things have passed away, because now… all things are brand new (paraphrase mine).” No turning back! Praise Him!

(11-25-23) Is everything we do holy unto the Lord? If our daily schedules include things of which God wouldn't approve, then we need to reschedule. Consider milestones, like: "I'll work another couple of years and then retire so I can do what I want and have more free time to travel, etc." Nothing wrong with that plan, but what about revising it to include more time to minister to others? When we look at our schedules through Christ's eyes of ministry (yes, all believers are to minister to others, not just those who go to seminary) we are planning holiness unto the Lord. Peter reminds us today in 1 Peter 1:1-15 that Christ purchased us with His blood unto holiness and salvation. Do we consider purity and holiness into our schedules? As the saved of Christ, we should include evangelism because that is most important to Him. Like His Father, Jesus is not willing that any should perish, but that the world through Him might be saved. Believers, we must add holiness into our daily schedules, which secures our witness to the lost.

(11-24-23) Can you recall a recent, specific answer to prayer? The really big answers can be broken down into basic needs, like getting a job (finances), a spouse (relationships), or wayward children coming back to the Lord (salvation). Whether praying to find a lost phone, or for healing of cancer, God answers our prayers, and increases our faith, and not just with the answers, but oh, my, HOW He answers! Sometimes as we wait for an answer, our need changes completely. God’s ways are higher than our ways and like children, He’ll distract us or redirect us to something else. The basics? God gives us what is right. He is the Judge of others. His plan for our lives is a good one. Praying grows our relationship with Him, and grows our faith when the answers come, even if the answer is, “No,” or “Not right now.” Often, the answer comes in a way we could never have imagined… like a change of our own hearts. “The prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise them up (James 5:15).” This covers all the basics, relationships (to God) salvation (sins forgiven), healing (so one can work, provide, etc.). Glory to God!

(11-23-23) We've been enjoying some Christmas movies while with the grandchildren this week. It's amazing how the world attributes Santa with powers of Almighty God. He can be omnipresent, reaching every soul in one night. He is omniscient, knowing every language, every name, and remembering every good or bad, naughty, or nice thing we've ever done. He also knows what we really want for Christmas. There are many movies giving “Christmas magic” to Santa. Santa also has the power to increase love called, "Christmas Spirit." So, according to the world, God’s spirit that sheds light and love in our hearts now comes from Santa! Wow! God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, ruler of all men, judge of all that is evil and good, naughty and nice is the giver of all good gifts, peace on earth and peace in our heart with good will toward all men. Drawing near to Him is a lot different than Santa (James 4:7-8).  When we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord... we are taken off the "naughty" list, and put on the "nice" one.  Also, our eyes are opened to the truth of how the enemy sneaks in, and tries to destroy our witness, joy, and even Christmas! It’s fun to play Santa, but we must take a stand against the reality that the devil wants Santa to be an idol, something that replaces God in our lives. But the devil runs from those of us who stand against him and draw near to God, daily. Praise Him!

(11-22-23) Today we are celebrating Thanksgiving a day early in Breckenridge with family because we all head for home on Friday. This way, we will get to eat the leftovers on Thanksgiving Day. I'm so thankful for all God has done in my life! My husband is great, my kids are wonderful, my grandchildren are smart and beautiful... I could go on and on!!! I am full of emotions! Good feelings! Unfortunately, in our fallen world, there are times when I deal with feeling not so good! God says in James 3:17, that having the wisdom that comes from His spirit is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. When the spirit of God rules our heart, He helps us control our emotional heart strings. Pure hearts, peaceful hearts, gentle hearts, easy to please hearts, override any evil, hateful, hardened, and angry hearts. All good and bad emotions themselves, are tied to our emotional heart strings. Let God's wisdom fill our hearts today, and His spirit will pull those strings the right way. Ask God for His wisdom, and He will give it without criticizing (James 1:5).  He will put His spirit in us and help us live by His rules and carefully obey His laws (Ezek. 36:27), which brings emotional stability for which my artistic temperament is so thankful

(11-21-23) If you've ever chaperoned a lock-in, you know the dangers of falling asleep! Yes, even when it LOOKS like all the young people are out for the count, the chaperone must somehow keep eyes wide open.  It’s good to have enough volunteers to take shifts, but eight o'clock cannot come quickly enough. Oh, what a relief it is to hear the sound of parents coming to pick-up. The bonding and spiritual growth of Christian youth spending time with counselors and leaders is well-worth the lost sleep and the wait for the morning. There is a lot to unpack here. The benefits of having more time at a lock-in mentoring young believers brings the opportunity of giving our "charges" back to their parents who are grateful for spiritual, significant others in their lives. Ezekiel reminds us today that God's blessings are new EVERY morning, and thankfully, we do not have to stay up all night to watch for them. However, waiting for a promise fulfilled or an answer from the Lord is much the same process. It can be terribly difficult, but the wait has its purpose… the bonding with others, spiritual mentoring, growth, etc. Then, right on time, dawn arrives, the promised parents are at the door. The work of waiting is over. We must learn to patiently, and expectantly wait, and the wait has a purpose! Praise Him!

(11-20-23) Positive thinkers are happier and healthier, in general. This could be attributed to temperament, but expecting today to be better than yesterday can’t hurt...  right? Scripture, our source of all truth, tells us that good gift comes from God above.  Along with this, there's an understanding that no day is perfect in this broken world, so we expect some problems. Spending time with our grandchildren always reminds me the phenomenon of growth. When in diapers, they cried to get what they wanted, but in elementary and middle school, they speak in wonderful sentences. They have grown emotionally as well as physically. James 1:3&4 says that when patience is made perfect in us, we will be complete.  I take that to mean, satisfied! Babies must grow up, and each day gets better and better. They develop their self-control, their talents, their special gifts and abilities so that today is better than yesterday, but tomorrow is going to be even better!!  Believe it and receive it for a better day today and tomorrow.

(11-19-23) There are many good causes asking for donations. How many times do we say, "I didn't want to get involved," or how often are we told, "DON'T get involved!" Paul writes to the Hebrews and tells them to remember those who are suffering as if you are suffering with them. The "as if" is the key here. We don't have to involve ourselves with a dangerous person, or someone co-dependent, or crazy. For sure, they could steal more than our joy and energy! However, the Lord would have us empathize with others and pray for them as if we are going through the same things ourselves. This means taking time to intercede for others each day.  Visualize putting on their shoes and then compose prayers for them accordingly. Often, God has allowed a similar trial in our lives to help make it much easier to do this. It's our job as a Christian to intercede for others just as Jesus does. As our Lord sits beside God and intercedes for us, don't we want Him to be empathetic to our needs? He came to earth and experienced suffering, rejection, hunger, danger, and the anticipation of being killed on the cross for that very reason. He not only prays for us "as if" He is in our situation with us, He IS in our situation with us! We are to do the same for others. Instead of a quick, "God bless Grandma, God bless Grandpa..." God would have us know their needs and pray more specifically. Don't neglect to get involved, and don't be afraid to get involved. 

(11-18-23) I suppose I'm weird in this, but I get joy out of cleaning my house. I like the smell of Pledge, Clorox, and Pine-sol I’ll admit that I don’t clean as often as I should due to our busy lives, but before holidays, when changing the décor, my home and office demands more cleaning. Like cleaning, certain times in our lives demand more grace. Paul writes about being careful to receive God's grace. No doubt, it gives God joy to share His grace! In the very next verse, Paul talks about sinning, and Esau losing his blessing because he never thought about God (Heb. 12:16).  Somehow, grace and thinking about God are linked together. Keeping our eyes on Him throughout the day and not on others or circumstances creates the cleansing grace needed in our lives. Only when we recognize and receive God’s grace can we share it. We can overlook stupid remarks and even the hurtful mistakes of others because we are not to judge if their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Family squabbles? More grace overlooks it. Ponder eternity together and being perfect in heaven someday, but unfortunately, not here. Receiving and sharing God's grace should give us joy and we shouldn't save grace (or cleaning) just for the holidays!

(11-17-23) Today’s culture is addicted to taking "selfies" and posting on social media. We can all easily fall into a trap of narcissism if we're not careful. It’s easy to see that our culture has a root problem of selfish greed (Prov. 28:25). We turn down requests to help with special events at church, school or community projects, because of OUR plans. We rarely postpone or eliminate what's on our calendars when there is a need elsewhere and only a few commit to a weekly or even a monthly assignment at church because we must keep our calendars clear... for ourselves. Those in ministry today have a different mantra of “family first.” Growing up in a parsonage, it was, “church family first.” Our hackles go up reading that today. What about giving? We give, but only AFTER we are sure we have enough to do all the things we want to do. Outside of work or family needs, most of the other things are entertainment! Stressful lives need an outlet—a way to unwind and be "wowed" into rejuvenation. God’s Sabbath worship was to be that outlet, "wow" and refreshment for us. His Spirit wants to pour love into us so that we can overcome every fear and shift the weight of our worries to HIS side of the yoke, but God expects respect, obedience, and nothing less than first place in our lives for His blessings (Ps. 128:1-4). In trusting and seeking Him over our own selfish plans and wishes, we WILL succeed. When greed vs. trust, and greed wins, we fail in giving and serving. When consciences are seared greed says, “I’ll do it my way.” Submission says, “I want God's way.” Trust Him for finances, completion of plans, and success will follow. Praise Him!

(11-16-23) Today’s reading in Hebrews chapter 11 reminds us: (1) by faith, Abel gave the better sacrifice; (2) by faith, Enoch was taken to heaven so he would not die; (3) by faith, Noah built the ark; (4) by faith Abraham left his country, etc., etc. One or two examples should be sufficient, but it is as if Paul was thinking chronologically, starting with Abel in the book of Genesis. Abel died, but his faith is still speaking during Paul’s lifetime (Heb. 11:4). Enoch didn't die because he was a man who truly pleased God (11:5). Noah saved his family and showed that he was right with God when everyone else was wrong, and Abraham became a father after he was almost dead (11:12)! Why must we be reminded about the importance of faith? We work ourselves to death, but unless the Lord builds , we work for nothing (Ps. 127:1). Unless the Lord guards the city, the guards stand at post for nothing (Ps. 127:1). Believe God really IS Who He says He is—Creator of the world from NOTHING (without even a bang) and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 8:6)! Those two prerequisites produce abundant living for us today, balance, and make all things possible... yes, ALL things are possible for those with faith

(11-14-23) I love this old hymn, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…” because it reminds us that nothing can shake us, break us, or tear us down. Today's scripture in Psalm 125:1, says that God wants us to trust Him like Mount Zion, which sits unmoved forever. We are supported by His foundation of strength, forgiveness, and courage to stay in faith no matter what is happening all around us, or to us. Job was not privy to the conversations between God and Satan, so he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people now and forever (Ps. 125:2). He surrounds us with His power and might. That sickness, that broken relationship, that fear of failure, that financial need, that wayward child… nothing is too hard for Him. Stand still and feel the strength of solid ground beneath you. Know that He is God, and you are not! Rock solid faith praises and honors Him, before the answer comes.

(11-13-23) "What do you do in your spare time?" I like to stay busy!  My energy level keeps not only me going, but my husband. When we get a day off, he and I pushed through a list of things I want to get done... and hours later, sore muscles, a few aspirin, several bottles of water and lots of sweat seems like a fair trade. Tomorrow? Gravel around the air conditioner before I head out to one of Sae’s concerts. Concerts are becoming my go-to form of entertainment because most of the movies make me shake my head and turn the channel. So what’s the perfect formula for rest and relaxation, for escaping the traps and pitfalls of life? Seeking and finding God’s presence is what rejuvenates me. God gives us the help, the restoration, the spark, the rebooting that we need to carry on in this world. When we realize this, and want nothing more than for Him to be glorified in us, we can be sure He is pleased.

(11-12-23) Tattle, tattle, tattle! Children and adults alike get into one another’s business. When someone says something to hurt us, we tell ten other people. In reality, this is evidence of God's teachings being written on our hearts, as Hebrews 10:8 says, "... I will put my teachings in their minds and write them on their hearts." Little and big people know what’s fair, right, and wrong, and we tattle on each other, constantly. We try to mind our own business, because constant tattling is no way to gain friends and influence people! So then, as grown-ups, we tend toward politeness, or "political correctness" of looking the other way when there is wrong-doing. It seems, the higher we climb up the ladder, the less accountability! But the opposite should be true: the more responsibility, the more accountability. We are accountable for those in our care, our children, our employees, etc. Likewise, we are accountable to God for the lives we are living. This accountability accompanies our salvation. We do not have a free pass to sin once we are "saved" as some might think, because God is love. Look again! God holds people accountable in Ezekiel, in Psalms, in Proverbs, and in Hebrews. Yes, He forgives and His love is unconditional… to the point where we reach an age of understanding we need a Savior, and we need constant accountability.

(11-11-2023) When the fuel light comes on in the car, we take notice. We're constantly guessing, how far can we go 'till we're completely empty. Solomon refers to this as chasing empty dreams, but what gage can we use to determine if a dream is empty? Simple. If God is not included in it, it's empty! Our work, our family lives, our leisure… God wants to be a part of all of it. If He is in it, the resources will not run dry because He has more fuel than our containers can hold! He is God, the maker of the fuel and the container. He is God, the giver of the work, the family, and the leisure. He is God, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  He loves to fill up our tanks with His Spirit, instead of us having to pull over and call for a tow truck. Ezekiel reminds us that doing things without God is similar to whitewashing a weak wall. Even though it looks nice and clean on the outside, it is rotten on the inside and the slightest rainstorm will make it fall. Test Your God-gage and see how much of HIM you carry with you. Are you chasing empty dreams on the Lord's day? Are you headed to places where you know He wouldn't go, doing things He wouldn't do? Include Him in everything and trust Him for the overflow with Him, instead of being on “empty.” 

(11-10-23) Babies take one step, then another, fall down, get back up, try again, take three or four more steps, fall down, get back up, try again, take eight or nine steps, etc.  After a while, we are off and running. We don't even think about not being to walk or run, until we break a leg!! I had to revisit that process after breaking my leg several years ago. We have to understand the process, that we will get there, so we can't be lazy (Heb. 6:12)!  God expects us to expect to get there! That's faith. Our faith grows when we've actually hit our goals and the same can be said when waiting on a promise from God, Our faith grows when HE answer prayer. His promises are His oaths, in His Name! He cannot lie, and He does not renege on a contract (Heb. 6:18). So, stay in faith and don't back out too soon, or become lazy while waiting. Expect the answer will come right on time. This produces growth which pleases God and brings us one day closer to our promise.

(11-9-23) Having read through the entire Bible more than fourteen times, I still have questions about what things mean. The Word of God shows that there are things humans do to push His buttons. Instead of putting sins in some kind of progressive order, it's best to just ask for discernment of God, to see things as He sees them.  When we do this, the first thing He's going to point out is our great worth to Him and how much we are loved by Him… so much that He gave His only Son for us. And what about Jesus? He suffered and learned obedience, in many of the same ways we do, but he suffered more. After we see our worth, then we start to discern how society digresses from their own, personal worth.  The worth of a fetus, for example.  And what about that insatiable need for power?  Low self-esteem. That over-the-edge competitive nature or continuous need for attention and validation? Pride. Ever searching for new interpretations, but never willing to study for oneself? Slothful! Ouch! Do you know the difference of the mark on God's children in Ezekiel 9, and the mark on society in Revelation? In the long run, what really matters is discerning our personal walk, each day-by-day step we take in obedience to God’s spirit within us. God wants us to have discernment, and to see things as He sees them, and not be persuaded by anything or anyone else. 

(11-2-23) The world seems overcome by people exhibiting anger, rage, rudeness, aggression and hatred. Believers look to God's Word for answers, for promises, for understanding and wisdom, and we find comfort in this: It's not just us! The atmosphere has been thick with evil since Eve ate the forbidden fruit in God’s beautiful Garden of Eden. Ezekiel's reading is full of God shaking His head over idolatrous people. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that people make their choices. They hear the Gospel and they either accept it, or they do not. Those of us who accept it, God says, are able to enter into rest. Peace be with you today, and every day while yet alive on this earth. Evil is not new. Jesus Christ came to overcome the worst of it---death. Our place of resolve, rest and peace is in Christ Jesus alone. No matter what, we can say, “All is well because I rest in God’s hands. Praise Him!”

(11-7-23) A broken bone can mend to be even stronger if we give it time to heal after the break! We cannot keep using it thus, reopening the break. No, we must alter our ways a bit and take the pressure off it so it can heal. God is not surprised by our circumstances. Those broken bones and bruises which occur in our lives by accident, because of negligence, or as the fault of others can all be healed to make us stronger in the process. We go to the doctor for help, not for a lecture or another beating. God is our Great Physician and in the same way, we go to Him for healing of our hurt hearts, our messed-up finances, our broken relationships, and our diseased, decaying bodies. He is our faithful Father God who honors our faith, and we hope in this. He is not going to put pressure on the wound. Oh, no, He is ready to prescribe that we sit awhile, use crutches, or even a wheelchair until healed.  All healing comes from Him.  Our part is to rest and keep hope alive that the healing will come, and we will be stronger.

(11-6-23) Longtime family friend and former District Superintendent, Jim Rush, likes to go digging on the beach with his metal detector. He scans the sand until it "pings" and often, just below the surface, he finds an earring, a bottle cap, a button, etc. Finders-keepers, right? But, for me finding someone's diamond ring in the ladies’ room at church, I would seek to find the owner knowing the person will be distraught over losing it! It all depends on where we look—a deserted beach, or in a remote field, we would tuck it away, but in a church or store, we wouldn't keep it. While digging in places where most people don't dig, the Scriptures, we find treasures we can keep for ourselves.  It's sad to think that Scripture is a remote area to most, isn't it? The Psalmist says, "I am as happy over Your promises as if I had found a great treasure” (Ps. 119:161)! Ezekiel says God’s Word is sweet to the taste as honey” (Ez. 3:3). So, dig and consume sweet promises like.  "...nothing will defeat them” (Ps. 119:165). Amen!

(11-5-23) There are many elephants in the room today.  Political differences, theological differences, sports team affiliations... the list goes on and on. We must trust that the Lord has us right where He wants us to be, if we have not forgotten His teachings and we are living by His promises (Ps. 119:153-154).  Others who do not want to listen to the Lord's teachings, won't want to listen to us! God reminds Ezekiel that "They may listen, or they may not, since they are a people who have turned against me... but don't be afraid of the people or their words, even when (Ezekiel 2: 5-7) they basically make you feel uncomfortable. Keep taking a stand for what is right. Stay on your feet and trust that God has sent you to shine His light in the darkness. Our lights shine the brightest when it's super dark! Stay in faith and trust that God is always in control.  He is ready to send angels in at any moment, seen or unseen, to help us we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world (Heb. 1:14). 

(11-4-2023) My daughter, Megan Rae started throwing temper tantrums as a toddler and I just ignored them. When she saw I was not interested, she quit. If I gave in, she would have never grown into the amazing (strong-willed) woman of God that she is today! These little ones who are the most determined and insistent on having their way make the most loyal followers of Christ. Why? Because they want to! No matter the tantrums, as parents we still choose to love that child, because WE understand that they are too little to understand! God looks at us like that when we digress, and He gives us our space to fuss and kick, along with time to grow. When we get to an age of understanding how much He has done for us and accept Him as Lord and Savior of our lives, we do it because we want to. Spiritually immature adults still only want what they want to do, and not what God wants them to do. Paul writes to Philemon with high hopes that people will help with ministry because they want to, not because they are forced to do it (Philemon 14). Mature, godly love chooses obedience instead of insisting on its own way. Why? Because Christ loved and cared for us when we were still throwing temper tantrums.

(11-3-23) We creatives love to repurpose things. That funky-foamy-super-heavy-cardboard divider in the new computer box? Hot glue some silk ivy around it, fill it with two or three jelly jars and voila! You have a planter for herbs or fresh-cut flowers! If by the flesh we can come up with such great innovations, think about what God's creativity can produce in us! Funny thing is, HIS purpose happens to be the same for every believer---to be of good use in His Kingdom. There is no comparing purposes and we can completely rule out any selfishness, jealousy, stubbornness, or rebelliousness. In fact, Solomon tells us in Proverbs 28:9 today that if we refuse to obey what we've been taught, our prayers will not be heard (Prov. 28:9). So, those of us grown-ups who have been raised in the Word have to be careful not to take other trails into the worldly woods of comparing purposes. We are ALL to be about looking for opportunities to do good. Our lives are God's, and not our own, but this can be a hard pill to swallow when trying to wash it down with desires of the flesh instead of living water of the Spirit! God's Spirit of grace and love in us makes it easy to surrender to His will and submit to one another in love. In return, we can expect all will be well for us.

(11-2-2023) Parents use many corrective tools but the favorite seems to be the “time-out.” In today’s reading, two Kings are carried away to Babylon due to disobedience to God. They both become prisoners. One is tortured terribly, and the other one survives and after many years, is set free and treated favorably. What's the difference? Early on in chapter 52 we read that the one who dies is the one who did what the Lord said was wrong... just as the other had done. So, both have done wrong, but one is spared. Perhaps there was a changed heart! This second king could have humbled himself and become less of a threat, more of a mentor. God's favor on us depends on our attitudes just like good children, or children needing a time-out. Doing something wrong doesn't mean God’s favor is forever removed from us. Our challenge is to stay faithful and do what is right in His sight. However, if we fail and face a “time-out period,” humble-up quickly and change that attitude to get back in the game. God will turn the hearts of those who keep us in or out of time-out, to show us favor... God's favor.

(11-1-23) Several years ago, my good friend from work got married at our farm. The people were seated outside, facing the beautiful water's edge of the property, music playing, waiting for the wedding to begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. As the time passed 4:30 by five minutes, and then ten minutes, I ran to the bedroom, like a typical wedding Nazi and knocked on the door, "Stephanie, it's time!"  I'm thinking, "Stephanie, it's past time!  Get yourself out here!"  Inside, I'm stressed, but outside, I'm calm so she won't get stressed. She opens the door, radiant, beautiful and ready to go. We send a child out to ring the bell, excited, spreading the news that it's time!! We have a ready bride! No one minds waiting a few extra minutes for the bride to compose and ready herself, but how wonderful it is to hear the bell and to know, "It's time!"  I never doubted that she'd come out of the room and get married, but I still felt the need to knock on that door! We do the same thing, knocking, reminding God, "It's time! We really need to get this show on the road, Lord!"  And like the Psalmist, we CAN go to God and say, "Lord, it is time for You to do something (Ps. 119:123)!"  Ask and will receive!  Faith opens that door to our radiant, beautiful Lord, who is ready to go! 

(10-31-23) We all have high hopes for our children when they're born. For all three of our children, we've had and continue to have high hopes. Our prayer each day is for their protection, of course, but also that they will be great in the land... as God has promised! Our high peace and rest are pinned on promises in God's Word, and not made up in our own feeble minds! God has said these things because HE, as our Heavenly Father, has high hopes for US. Each one of us, extroverts, introverts, strong-willed, easy-going, yes, ALL of us. We hate to see our children discouraged, losing peace and rest, but God does ever more. Our identities are in our God, who made heaven and earth. Set your eyes on Him today and pump up your hopes and dreams, because that pleases Him! Unlike most earthly Dads, He has the power and the resources to make things happen, especially our absolute peace and rest.  Praise Him!

(10-30-23) Raising children, we understand what it means to provide them with answers on a need-to-know-basis. We don't want to burden them with all the facts and dangers of life. One of our main jobs as parents is to make sure they are protected 24/7, loved, fed, clothed, washed and taught until they can do it all from themselves. Much of our time is spent educating them with what they need to know, while sparing them the harsh details which they cannot handle. God has us on a need-to-know-basis for the very same reasons. He doesn't want to overwhelm us, especially when He's going to handle whatever could overwhelm us, just as we do for our own children. Trust He will provide the light we need for our feet to take next step, but remember, we do not need to know what will happen tomorrow. *
*Max Lucado

(10-29-23) It's always a challenge for me to keep my mouth shut when someone shies away from sharing their talent or their witness for the Lord. As Christian believers, we are to be stirring up our gifts and using them, but also, we are charged with spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. We teach, and we leave the convicting power up to the Holy Spirit. Paul tells Timothy to look for trustworthy people to teach, and then, MAYBE the Lord will allow them to change their minds and follow Him. Sounds like Paul's theology is Presbyterian here, but this verse just points to the power of God and not our power. We do our part, not matter what. We share, because we are commanded to take the gospel of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Don't be shy anymore. Those gifts God gives everyone who believes are to be used to teach, to share, to go, to preach, to do whatever we can to be a witness, while all the time, leaving the responses of others up to God.

(10-28-23) We get anxious as we wait… in traffic, in line at the grocery store, the box office, often for fear, we won’t make “it” on time for where we are headed, or the opening curtain.  I'll never forget rocking back and forth, tears running down my cheeks being so uncomfortable in the last week before Charlie was born. His little feet just couldn't find a nice place to rest in there! When we have to wait on anything, our minds start thinking about all the "what ifs" that could happen. “What if he’s really late, or what if something’s wrong, or what if something goes wrong?”  On and on those thoughts go. Bottom line is that sometimes we just have to wait, and trust.  Turn those "what ifs" into good possibilities, not the bad ones. And why not? God is in control.  Since fear fights faith, make sure your faith is strong to enough to fight right back. The best weapon we have is love. Love overcomes fear. When you love something, or someone, there is no fear in love. God's way of growing our faith, like anything else, is over time. In time, we'll have the faith we need to wait with complete certainty that God will do what's right and best for us

(10-27-23) If you do not close a door behind you, you might hear: "What's wrong with you?  Were you raised in a barn?" Neither is a kind or gentle question, but sometimes we do wonder about the background of people who are irresponsible. What is the upbringing of one who walks by with eyes straight ahead, blank and smug expression, no acknowledgment that someone is passing by them, close enough to brush shoulders? Are they so trapped in their own minds that they cannot speak a greeting or give an acknowledging nod? Insecurity and jealousy are some of the worst chains. God promises freedom to His beloved children to walk in constant security of HIS constant presence and abiding love, forgiveness, grace, with a hedge of protection around us.  Like Jeremiah in today’s reading (Jer. 40:5), we are free to go wherever we please, and He will go with us.  When we think we HAVE to do certain things, it becomes a burden. Having the perspective of freedom to do the same things, or not to, is true faith. Understand and embrace freedom today as a child of God.  Be secure in His grace and love and share the truth about faith—freedom!

(10-26-23) Wall Street has hiccups, ups and downs. The same goes for interest rates. When we put our money into the bank, stocks or bonds, we expect some interest! Interest is as American as apple pie! We know that if we must pay something to incur interest. Because of this, we should all have a good idea of how God blesses our earthly giving accounts. When we give financially or by doing good for others, giving to charitable organizations, adopting a starving child through an organization that works abroad, or just giving to our local churches, God compounds the interest. We can expect blessings! He gives back pressed down and running over... so why are we so stingy? Why would we hold on to God's ten percent (which BTW, is stealing) and why do we cringe when someone asks for our help? Brothers and sisters, trust God to take care of you. This trust is what frees us up to give. Then and only then can we receive that heavenly interest and earthly blessings.

(10-25-23) We see some extremes in today's reading. In Jeremiah, there are a group of people called, "the family of Raceb" who adhere to some pretty strict family rules and regulations. They will not veer away from being obedient to their ancestors. God uses them as an example of obedience while so many are being disobedient to His teachings through Jeremiah. Then in 1 Timothy we see that Paul is encouraging Timothy to follow his teachings and to become a teacher himself. Today, we all need good teachers to become good teachers, but who can we trust? This is the will of the Lord, that we nurture one another in the faith. When we seek God first, His Spirit will give us a connection with others who will be good mentors for us. Call it what you want, "communion of the saints" or "like-mindedness" or "kindred spirits" but be assured, you will know when God is in a person. Yes, we should all be teaching others, but we never lose the need for good mentoring ourselves. This takes humility, submitting to one another, etc., but it also helps us not waste our time reinventing the wheel!

(10-24-23) To hold down a job, there are contingencies and amenities. One must have good attendance, keep up with inventory, paperwork, meetings, etc., etc. While teaching, there were continuing education classes, analyzing data, writing lesson plans, and last but not least, classroom management… sometimes, teacher management. Following orders is a given at work… so why is it not expected of the followers of Christ? We do not think of job descriptions as "following orders" because if we did, we'd bolt, and revolt, due to our natures that sing, "I wanna be me!"  But seriously, if we do not do our jobs, we will get fired! When we agree to say, like the Psalmist, "This is what I do: I follow Your orders," then we reap the amenities of having a kind and generous Papa/Abba/Daddy/Heavenly Father.  As we follow God's orders for our lives, the amenities outweigh the contingencies. Praise Him!

(10-23-23)  Do you remember the days of women having to wear a slip and hose to be fully dressed?  Back in high school, I endured the horrors one day, on the way to school (we walked) of the elastic breaking on my "half-slip" (remember those?) and it fell down around my ankles.  Talk about your slip showing!!!  I just stepped out of it, picked it up and threw it in my bookbag, hoping no one saw what happened.  We used to have little phrases like,"You're slipping!" to alert a friend to synch it back up in there. Today's focus verse says that your God will put His teachings in our minds and write them on our hearts. Be careful because you are going to be "slipping!" What’s in your mind and heart is bound to show either when you bend over or heaven forbid, fall down! Make sure of what you believe today and live it as if it's showing all the time.  Otherwise, we come off as hypocrites, and that's never a good witness for our Lord.

(10:22:23) Days go by so quickly. My nightly routine of taking Little Bit out to potty while I water flowers comes so quickly… like I just did it a few hours ago. When days are rushed, God still has something to say to us in His Word that, "Everything is going to be fine." Our busy lives, our successes, and even our mistakes can all be part of His plan… ways in which He teaches and reaches our hearts with His love, forgiveness, and kindness. There will be time to slow down and smell the flowers, but for now, I'm so glad to know how much God loves me, with a love that will last forever with “… good plans… hope… and a good future” (Jer. 29:11).  Praise Him!

(10-21-23) Energy can easily be zapped by illness, loss, disappointment and pain, depression, etc., but this is when we need to use whatever energy we have left to trust God. I was sharing with a dear friend who is going through great difficulty right now to use all that energy he's putting into worrying, into prayer. Meditate on what God is saying in Jeremiah 27:5: "I made the earth, its people (that's you!) and all its animals with my great power and strength. I can give the earth to anyone I want." In context, God is talking about giving power to one King over another, but in application for us, He is reminding us that with Him, all things are possible! ALL things! When being in His presence to know Him more is our goal, He ignites our passion, which gives us energy and strength to do His will. How He helps us, delivers us, and works through us is a witness in this world. He is for us and not against us. When we’re passionate about His promises, nothing can weaken our faith. Get your energy back, your "mojo" and move forward, stretch that little bit of faith, to believe, "YES I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens (energizes) me." 

(10-20-23) There have been times when we have had two dogs. They have been great company for each other, but they also fussed and growled at each other over treats. Maggie Mae (an alpha-type) would guard a treat all day, even taking it outside to potty. If she walked away from it for a second, Dido (before Little Bit) or Little Bit (our only dog now that Maggie’s been gone a year) would snatch it. It's a stretch of a parallel, but we are like this sometimes in the way we relate to the people God has put with us. We are often guarding something, concerned they might get more than we have, etc. However, at the same time, we cannot do what we do without them doing what they do! Sometimes we fuss and get upset with others if they try to boss or correct us, or heaven forbid, "sharpen" us. When this happens, we must trust that God decides to put us with certain people for a good reason... “Iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17). And don’t the sparks fly when two Alphas get together?  But again, there's a good reason.  God intends for us to sharpen and improve each other, learn from each other, get along with each other and thank God for each other.  He’ll give us discernment to see that what we go through with people is indeed, sharpening us. Step back and look at it from this perspective today and praise Him! That personality which grates on you, sharpens you. Glory to God!  That different opinion sharpens you. Praise Him! God has you right where you need to be.

(10-19-23) When we're stressed, we don't want to pray for others, we want to pray for ourselves.  It's only natural. It's like not wanting to give your last five dollars to someone who asks for help because it's your last five dollars until payday. So, we search the Scriptures for examples of how to pray and we see lots of vengeful prayers in Jeremiah and other Old Testament writers that are not like prayers in the New Testament. What to do? Let the Spirit of God pray through you, and show you the prayers of Christ Jesus, who sits at the right hand of the throne, interceding for us. Certainly, if He could erase our debts on the cross, we can erase the debts of others. The cross and the coming of the Holy Spirit are not part of the Old Testament stories, other than the prophesies about them. Pray like Paul tells the Thessalonians he prays for them, to help them live the kind of lives God called them to live (2 Thess. 1:11). When we pray like this, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will have glory in us, and we will have glory in Him (1:12).

(10-18-23) Have you ever asked your children playfully, “Who loves you the most?”  They answer, “You do!”  But the real answer is, “God does!”  Go with that thought today and return His love to Him the same way. His love is deeper, grander, kinder than any human type of love, and we can be sure that He will keep us safe.  "Husband" means "house band,” like a rubber band tied around the house to keep it together. God intends to bring us safely home, with love greater than a spouse. He is responsible for taking care of those who trust and love Him. Put His love first today, and everyone and everything else we love will fall into place.

(10-17-23)  We work with people, live with them, do business with them, worship with them, and inevitably, disagree with them. Every marriage has its ups and downs because we disagree sometimes. Our business is to stay strong in the Lord by living scriptural lives, and His business is to change hearts. We cannot do His business! We can pray for those changes, but the bottom line is that we are responsible for our own joy, our own happiness, our own salvation and not another person's joy, happiness or salvation. Our focus, our business, our main goal in life is to trust the Lord and serve the Lord. Try to obey Him, follow His ways, live pure lives, honest lives, peaceful lives, and believe God's promises.  If we, "do all we can to live a peaceful life,” then people who are not believers will respect us. It is a waste of time to depend on others for joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength! Satan knows if he can steal our joy, we lose our strength! Make joy your business today, mind it, and be strong in the Lord. Trust God to do the work that He does in the hearts ofo others. Praise Him!

(10-16-23) If we lift weights, we will get stronger. It's a given! When I was on crutches, my arms and shoulder muscles got stronger. I developed callouses on my palms that didn’t go away for a while. It's a consequence of dragging my body weight around for seven weeks. I trusted the crutches more than my broken leg! I'm a much better swimmer with stronger arms and shoulders, which is an advantage from a consequence. Strength transfers! Likewise, when we lean on the Lord, seek and trust Him instead of so many "broken" people around us, we become stronger and even a bit calloused to insults or disbelief. The strength transfers in so many ways and we will be blessed... it's a given!

(10-15-23) Your strengths are not mine, and vice versa. After all these years, I am still developing my strengths, and learning to enjoy them. Performance anxiety? I still get some, but not nearly what I used to have to put up with. I've learned that love overcomes fear, so I think about the love I have for the music I am singing or playing on an instrument along with my love for Whom I am performing the music. The closer I get to Jesus, in relationship, the more I call on Him to add His powerful attributes to mine. Know your strengths today with God's strengths added to them. Think about it. By His strength, the tides are tied to the moon! We realize this concept so much more living on the coast. God can certainly orchestrate what's best for you and that includes good things! "You will live and not die" (Psalm 118:17)! Go ahead and add that promised to your prayers for healing today. "The power of the Lord has won the victory for me" (118:16). Add that one to your prayer for God to work out that difficult situation you are facing. Know and go your strengths today. Love what you do, and expect God's strength and power to be added to it.

(10-14-23) As a child, was there someone who convinced you that you didn't deserve be first? To whom did you always have to take a back seat? Maybe it was seared into your conscience that to strive for more is wrong because it smacks of pride. Were you taught to always take leftovers instead of pursuing a life in the land of milk and honey---your promised land, whatever that is for you? Whether starting on the journey to the promised land, or being totally spent after reaching it, we must understand, it is not going to be easy and there will always be a risk. The risk of failure is so strong that we put off heading out to avoid the fear just a little longer. But when it is God's time for us to head out and take the risk. He will give us discernment within, through His Word without, and line up our circumstances 'round about---these three things will come together. Be willing to take the risk, and trust God's promise today: "I will make you as strong as a wall to this people, as strong as a wall of bronze.  They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you, because I am with you (Jer. 15:20)."

(10-11-23) "Why do we choose to live here on the coast?" Then comes the discussion: there’s only a slim chance that a category 4 or 5 hurricane would ever hit us directly plus, we live more inland in a brick house with a solid foundation. Another question today comes to mind. “Why live in Israel?” Antisemitism still reigns and rules in the nations surrounding it! Perhaps the chances of war are about as slim to them as hurricanes are to us.There's no doubt, the stronger storms are going to come this way, so we have more of a reason to fortify our foundations, not just the brick and mortar structures, but the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional ones. Praying for victims of Israel’s terrorist attacks today. Pray for the peace of Israel. Pray they will be strong in the faith just as they were taught (Col. 2:7).

(10-10-23) Putting Christ first is like opening His Word before turning on the TV in the morning. He searches the world to find people who put Him first. Unfortunately, it has always been difficult for people to do this. There are distractions of life, bad nights, appointments to rush to, jobs to keep! So many things can easily get in the way of our devotion to Him. We find ourselves multi-tasking as we pray… but wait a minute… that is part of putting Christ first… praying while we do things. Yes, we do our best to be alone in prayer with no distractions, but as we live, we must live, and that means multi-tasking in prayer. Hope in God’s promises is actually, faith—believing God will keep His promises. Hope in the Lord today by putting Him first in everything… multi-tasking in prayer.

(10-9-23) These clips on the news from Israel at war look like the destruction of WWII!  What are they thinking? I am trying to conjure up in my own mind the level of hatred that produces such irrational acts of terrorism. Some people in our country are giving our nation a bad reputation to the rest of the world by siding with the terrorists.  I'm convinced that most Americans love their spouse, children, God, and country, and we THINK differently, but when we see these things happening, we have to be reminded, "Think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8)."  Can you find one of these words to describe what is happening to Israel today? Is breaking down on a door to kidnap families or murder them a noble act? Is it lovely to yell obscenities, rape women, or humiliate the elderly? The righteous need to rise up and do righteous things, but first, we have to stop and rethink our own way of thinking. Keeping the Book of the Law on our lips means having it on our minds (Josh. 1:8). Pray for the peace of Israel of Israel today because we are to pray about all our needs, and the peace of Israel is key to the peace of our world (Phil. 4:6). God help them today!

(10-8-23)  As parents, we would be offended if someone disciplines our children because that's our job! We want to be the ones to determine if and when they need it, because we love them the most. We don't want them falling into the hands of a teacher or principal who might be having a bad day! Likewise, God knows and loves us best and He doesn't want us to fall into the hands of harsh accusers having a bad day! We're reminded this morning that God will make clear the truth to others, by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. Our job is not to condemn. Even Jesus said He came to save to world, not to condemn people. We overstep our boundaries sometimes. Forget the past, let go of the bitterness, envy, strife, and do your job, which is to be joyful and thankful. We help God best by tenderizing the hearts of others with kindness, so they're even more receptive to the Word of the Lord, when HE speaks to them and makes it clear.

(20-7-23)  When we lived in Waynesboro, GA, we had several members in our church who worked at the nuclear plant up the road. We don't know exactly what all goes on at these plants, but we know that if the sirens go off, to get the heck out of Dodge! Those who DO have the knowledge also have a healthy respect for the power. They know what to do and what not to do... or else! They've memorized the Manual. The amazing good that these plants do for us is maintained and controlled by the good work of these fine people who understand the right and the wrong way to operate a nuclear plant. In order to create the power, there is unseen combustion going on inside that reactor.  Likewise, as Christian believers, we have a healthy respect for God's power, and we (should) know the Manual! We (should) know what causes a meltdown (Is. 66:3-4), so to speak, of God's anger, and we (should) know what causes Him to release His power for good in our lives (66:2). God pays attention to every detail and quite often, He will step in and adjust things before we even know to ask for help (65:24)! Be careful to know the Manual.  Understand that when something good is about to be birthed, there will be pain, combustion, etc., not necessarily here on earth, but struggles in the heavenlies between opposing powers of good and evil. Victory is promised for those who fear (out of respect) and know to follow the Manual.

(10-6-23) Several years ago, I saw a clip from "Russia's Got Talent" where a three-year-old plays the drums. Dad picks him up and carries him to three different drum sets, playing three different styles of music. The little guy never lets go of his sticks or acts surprised when his Daddy picks him up, because He knows their plan and the purpose to get him from one drum set to the next. When grown, no doubt his Daddy will stand behind the curtain to watch, never missing a beat, good or bad performance, involved heart and soul. Isaiah paints this picture of God, standing behind the curtain watching, good or bad, involved heart and soul with our progress and each performance (Is. 63:8-9). He reminisces about the times He carried us, like this Daddy, from one "drum set" to another, but now, we can walk on our own. Drop a stick? If it's where we can get to it, He'll stay behind the curtain. If it’s out of reach, He'll toss a spare. Get the picture? God is our Daddy who was proud to carry us in the past, but He is right here, right now, behind the curtain watching, caring, and helping when necessary. We know He is proud that we've grown to the point of being able to do so much on our own, but we can always count on His presence, which is a great comfort to us.

(10-5-23)  When Joseph saw his younger brother, Benjamin, for the first time in years, he gave him a double portion of food at his royal table. The other brothers look on with amazement, not knowing that this is the brother they sold into slavery years ago. In Isaiah chapter 61, we read that God loves justice (61:8). This is why we have the “Joseph account” and many others in the Word of God. He sees what's been stolen from us. Perhaps it's a promotion, an opportunity to experience longevity in a job, a flood, a fire, an accident that takes away time and income---God sees how it affects His beloved, and He steps in to repay. Often, His payment is double. It is double the restoration of a name dragged through the mud. Double the wages.  Double the position. The Bible talks about doubling throughout. When we give, God gives back, pressed down and running over, more than double! We don't necessarily think in doubling terms, but this is how God thinks. Why? Because He loves to see His children, His spouse, His beloved ones happy. "Instead of being disgraced, they will be happy because of what they receive (Is. 61:7)" Our part is to simply, believe it, and praise Him for it.

(10-4-23) I read the other day that people who are psychotic do not know they behave in narcissistic or manipulative ways. To them, it is a way of life---just part of their personality. As Christians we rely on our conscience to guide us and it is difficult to believe that others ignore it or have hardened their hearts. We see many examples in God's Word that compare and contrast good and evil. God spells out the differences between darkness and light and says in today’s reading that people living in darkness do not understand fairness and peace. Exactly! The opposite is true of those living in the light of God's love. We understand that God's power saves us from our sin. His light shines in our hearts to dissolve it, and spreads peace in place of it. This peace surpasses our own understanding, and that is how we know it is there. The light surrounds us to draw others to Christ, and we do not deserve or take any glory for any of it! Peace in us results in a desire for fairness, not just for us, but for others. Walk in peace and fairness today and give God the glory! He is the One who created peace and fairness for us to accept, employ, and enjoy.

(10-3-23) Standing up for the right thing is difficult. People want to be “modern” and not held to such traditional “old fashioned” ideals, i.e., marriage! Paul tells the Ephesians to live like children who belong to the light and try to learn what pleases the Lord. But instead of doing this, we'd rather be people pleasers and follow them. We want the votes, the power, the affirmations, the pats on the back from others, so we avoid like the plague, shining our lights. It MIGHT uncover some darkness and this cause people to get angry, and when "darkness" gets angry, look out! Darkness has teeth! It bites, shakes and hangs on until we bleed to death. Is this really who we should be aiming to please? We avoid speaking out because we're afraid of the darkness. Love conquers the fear. Speaking the truth in love, overcomes and the Spirit of God does the work in hearts that we cannot do. Our goal should be to always please God, love others, share the light that stomps out the darkness, and overcomes the world.

(10-2-23) Everyone seems to be specializing these days. I have nightmares of waking up in someone else’s shoes, i.e., performing brain surgery or playing a violin cadenza in a concerto. (Too many movies about people changing places!) The knowledge a brain surgeon or a concert violinist has in these areas is specialized, and my thoughts are no here near their thoughts in their expertise. Likewise, I cannot imagine God's thoughts and His ways. He reminds us today in Isaiah, that just as the heavens are higher than the earth, His thoughts and His ways are higher than ours. We pray leading prayers, asking God to do things, this way, through that person, or by a certain date. It is as if we put God in a box with human limitations instead of letting Him have complete freedom to exercise His Omniscient power. Instead of coming up with ways for God to work, let’s start giving Him free reign, to do His will, have His way, and fulfill His purpose in us. He promises, "I will give you the blessings I promised to David (Is. 55:3)," or, "(My Words) make the things happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I want them to do (55:11)." "So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace (55:12)." Believe it, receive it, and trust God's Word to lead you today, in ways of which you could never even comprehend.

(10-1-23) I love the story of Ruth. One day she is following some workers in a field, picking up the scraps of grain they leave behind, the next day she marries the owner of the field. She goes from being less than a field worker, to owning the field! This is what happens to us as believers when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ. We take on His Name, and He fills us with His amazing love that cancels out our sin and changes our human condition of wanting to sin. There is no other relationship closer, more intimate, more meaningful in this life than marriage this side of heaven. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved… for better, not worse! For richer, not poorer! In everything, God is able to do far more than we can ever ask or even imagine! Praise Him!

(9-30-23) Strong and Good. Those two words go nicely together. There is not a trace of dissonance as they harmonically flow off the tongue. We want to be strong and good, but sometimes we experience weakness and fear. We must pray for our leaders to be strong and good.  Pray for the truth to prevail, and for the people of God to rise up in our churches, towns and nation be the strong and good folks who are cut from the Rock… the Rock of Ages. God’s Words comfort us like this: "Listen to me, those of you who try to live right and follow the Lord. Look at the rock from which you were cut; look at the stone quarry from which you were dug.... I will give you the words I want you to say. I will cover you with my hands and protect you. I made the heavens and the earth, and I say to you, 'You are my people (Is. 51: 1 & 16).'" We are much needed in society! Don't quit because your quest for excellence is not only a mark of real maturity,* but a significant witness of the Strong and Good Rock from which we've been cut.

*Max Lucado(9-29-23) We can sustain and maintain life indefinitely with heart/lung machines, stomach tubes and transfusions, but only God's power can resurrect a dead body and breathe life back into it.  We don't think much about this, but when Jesus arose from the dead, other believers were brought back to life as well. What a powerful witness!!  Paul prays that the believers in Ephesians would know that this great resurrection power is available to them on earth. This same power that is utilized in heaven, is also ready for us to use today, if we believe. This power helps us to hold on to our sense of purpose when the accuser, the father of lies, tries to crush us. It is an anchor that encourages us to go after our heart's desires and trust that God wants to bless and honor us when the devil trips us with doubt. It assures us that we will continually bear fruit, no matter our age, because God's power does exceedingly more than we can do on our own. God's power makes us blameless and strong. God's power blesses not only us, but our children. God's power is promised to all who respect Him. God's power will make things happen in our favor, once we understand it. Read all about it in Ephesians 1:17-22 and embrace the knowledge of His resurrection power until it fills you with hope today.

(9-28-23) We all feel a little safer with a gate. Gated communities are everywhere these days, and it takes just one or two scary movies to help sell home security systems. The Lord says, "There is no peace for evil people (Is. 48:22)."  I'd like to translate that to say, "There is no safety for evil people." Peace and safety go hand in hand. Believers, God teaches us throughout His Word, Old and New Testaments, that obedience to Him is the price of our security. Everything He does is good and fair, and His agreement is everlasting, holy, and wonderful (Ps. 111:7-10). We trust Him to fortify our borders, and keep us safe as we come and go, knowing that He leads us (Is. 48:17). Install obedience to God's Word and toughen up! God is fair and just---if we need to be fired in life’s kilns, He will be the One adjusting the heat… “I have purified you by giving you troubles (Is. 48:10).” Everyone has troubles. Trust God’s patience to not destroy, but to purify us in them.  

(9-27-23) We have a tendency to focus on the weeds in our yards instead of the beauty of God's green grass that surrounds them. Right now, all this rain is making the grass grow to cover part of our yard that used to be used as a driveway. I see more of the grass than the dirt. I love how the Psalmist reminds us to seek and enjoy the great things God does for us daily. He has carried us since we were born, and He will continue when our hair has turned gray. He made us and He will take care of us (Is. 46:3-4), and we need to seek those miracles, the victories, all the great things He does and enjoy them today.

(9-26-23) Here on the coast of South Georgia, many rivers flow for a few miles into a "sound" which is the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this, dolphins will come up the rivers to feed in the mornings. The high tides are beautiful, but underneath are the sharks. Both good and bad come up the rivers! Jim laughs and assures me that all the scary critters in these rivers are more afraid of me than I am of them... but I am not convinced. Today's chapters in Isaiah (43-44) are great reads for helping us dealwith our fears. God reminds us that He is always with us. Max's devotional reminds us that nothing comes our way that has not first passed through the filter of His love.*  Go out into the day determined not to fuss, worry or fret, because God is always with His people!  Praise Him!

(9-23-23) Growing up in the 60’s we were not allowed to interrupt adults, and very seldom were we ever given choices! Period. I guess that's why it's easy for me to give in and want to please others. Perhaps being raised to listen and obey without question has made it easier for me to want to please the Lord. Paul says in Galatians 1:10, that basically, he doesn't try to get people to accept him because God is the only One he is trying to please. Acceptance is a huge motivator in trying to please others. Children and teenagers will do the wrong things to be accepted by their peers. We can be pleasing to others when pleasing Christ. Christ came into the world not to condemn it... but that the world through Him might be saved. We all need encouragement and building up more than ever. Seek Him first, please Him, and I want to add, in a pleasing way, and all these things will be added.

(9-22-23) When we know we are going to take a test, we study. We want to be sure to buy the right book, and take good notes so when tested, we have what we need to prepare. We know not to cheat! We are supposed to be studying ourselves and make time for study. Golf lessons on Sunday mornings or travel ball, cheer competitions, etc., will decrease our opportunities to "be in class" to take notes on teachings and sermons, or to study in Sunday School with other believers. If we cannot go “to class” on Sunday, then when can we go? Not preparing means having to retake the tests. Don't you just hate that? The answers to most of life's tough questions are simple! There are several great answers in today's reading, i.e., “Do you believe in heaven?”  "Everyone will see the glory of the Lord and the splendor of our God (Is. 35:2B)."  “How do you expect me to react to your insults?”  "Those who do not control themselves are like a city whose walls are broken down (Prov. 25:28)."  “How can I get through this?”  My favorite answer: "Be strong.  Don't be afraid. Look, your God will come... Water will flow in the desert, and streams will flow in the dry land (Is. 35:4-8)." The truth should go from our hearts to our lips automatically when tested.

(9-21-23) When teaching or working with children, finishing sentences is a challenge. A hand will go up to insist I stop, or other voices will blurt out to add something to what I am saying. Sometimes, I'll gesture with my pointer finger in air, "one moment" or I'll ignore it until I finish my sentence, but the truth is, I get distracted by it and often… annoyed. I get annoyed by adults who interrupt too, but I have to remember, I am guilty! I do not always wait my turn to speak. There just doesn't seem to be enough grace in me yet... but then I read what the Lord says, "My grace is sufficient for all of your needs...my power is made perfect in you (2 Cor. 12:9)."  The main point comes right in the middle of that verse: "When you are weak..."  Admit that weakness, stay teachable, pliable, always humble, and not stiff-necked, and God's grace can flow more easily in and through you, especially in the mornings when you cry out for it.  "You promised, Lord!"  The answer is, "Yes, I will give you enough for today."

(9-20-23) Because we love our fur-babies, we bathe them, take them outside, feed them, etc. Their “bathroom needs” get first priority every morning, likewise their treats and meals. If we treat our animals with such reliability and love, how much more does God take care of us! Believe it when He says, "I want to show My mercy to you.  I want to rise and comfort you. I am a fair God and everyone who waits for My help will be happy (Is. 30:18, I've changed Isaiah's pronouns to the first person).  I want to rise and my Little Bit who relies on me. How much more reliable is our God to care for us!  Praise Him!

(9-17-23) Praise and Worship heals us, refreshes and renews us, just like a cool dip in the pool on a hot day. Yesterday was the perfect day for being outside. We had a nice breeze, but it was still quite hot! I have cool breezes of fall and winter. Praise and Worship is like a cool breeze on hot days of stress and worry. We feel it likea reminder of God's presence and immediately, we sense that His control because the heat goes away. When we read through His Word, we see that He has ALWAYS sent promised breezes to his children, HIS people. He has always done what He promised! So, feel the spirit’s refreshing breeze in praise and worship today. 

(9-16-23) Some people are gifted in making sales. Millard Fuller had a gift of helping others to see that giving fulfills a human need for happiness. As friends with Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, GA, we saw him in action at Habitat for Humanity and later, at the Fuller Center for Housing. Millard would speak, and people would give! They gave money, resources and “sweat equity” to build quality housing for the poor. How didMillard do that? Paul helps us see that giving is proof of what is really in our hearts.  As believers, we want love to fill us to overflowing, right? The proof of that love is in the pudding... how much we give.  God doesn't ask us to give of that which we do not have, but simply to give of what we have. He will take that gift and multiply it for the sake of His Kingdom. Do you have God’s love today? Prove it! Give to what will not rust and/or blow away in a storm. Give to what is everlasting... spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(9-15-23) Trust is tricky! If someone veers slightly away from what they said, we scream, "Untrustworthy!  You said you would do this!" "Yes, but then YOU said something else, and so when we did that, it changed my ability to do this..."  Or, "You said you would never do that!"  When we make a "promise" we do not know what a day brings, let alone a year! Back before written contracts, a person's word is all that people had to go on. As Christians, we should indeed be careful of making promises, and do better at trusting others as well. Once we've been hurt by someone who doesn't follow through, we find it difficult to trust that person again, or anyone else! Trust is the lifeblood of the Believer. Without it, paranoia kills our joy. We want to live sober, serious lives, and certainly, sorrow gives us that perspective, but not being able to trust others is a symptom of not being able to trust God. Naive? No! We should be confident that God is in control of our lives and has a wonderful plan which includes relating to others. We need God's help and their help. Trust others and strive to be the one others can always trust!

(9-14-24) Isn’t it weird to prefer using one coffee mug over another? I like smaller cups but if I use a bigger one in the mornings, I don't have to get up and refill as quickly. Towards the end of the bigger cup, the coffee cools, but I don't mind that as much as getting up and down. The other day, I heard a radio preacher say that we should come to God with a bigger vessel to receive His blessings. I interpreted that as having greater expectations of all the ways God can supply our every need, pressed down and running over. In this, another hurricane season full of floods, winds, and rain we need a bigger cup of expectation for help and energy from the Lord.  When we come to Him in prayer, before, during or after a rough situation, the size of our cup really makes a difference. There will always be the question, "When, is the answer coming, Lord?" God says through Isaiah, "Now." Paul reiterates: "I tell you that the "right time" is now, and the "day of salvation" is now. Our “day of salvation” is not just literal salvation from sin, but His answers to our prayers for healing, protection, or whatever. God's concept of time is always now. His plan includes our answers, and He has already framed the big picture of our lives, so we can bring that cup NOW and sip as we meditate on all the amazing ways He fills it… right now.

(9-13-23) It is well-known that if one loses sight, the ability to see, one gains a greater ability to hear! While others bump around in the dark, they don't stumble so much because they use their other senses to compensate. They learn to trust their ears more than their eye, because they must, or else, they will indeed, bump around too. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Like the blind who cannot see with eyes of flesh, faith in God increases when we read Scripture which then increases our ability to hear God speaking through His Word and into our spiritual ears, hearts and minds. Our need for faith is created by bumping around in the darkness. We must learn to stand still and listen to what God allows us to hear other things, spiritual things, with greater sensitivity to the sound of His voice, that is guiding us safely home

(9-12-23) Sunday’s sermon focused on how replanted plants need light! Our church is going through transition now, having been recently “uprooted” from the UMC and “replanted” as an independent organization. Our new pastor is preaching a series on what we will need grow as a “replanted” congregation, and God’s light is crucial. Paul reminds us today that God once said, “Let the light shine out of the darkness” (2 Cor. 4:6). That command is not only for the sun to continue to shine, but for God’s carriers of the light to continue to push through with it. Push through the illness, push through the evil, push through the changes in life, push through the crises all around us, and be the light in today’s dark world. Carriers of the light get weary and need to rest, and that’s okay, but we trust God to strengthen these clay jars that hold God’s treasures (4:7) so our light will continuously shine and others will be drawn to Christ.

(9-11-23) When we have hurricanes, we crank up the generators and batten down the windows, stack the chairs outside and bring in anything that might get blown away. Even when the storm is hundreds of miles out, we can feel the destructive forces of wind and rain. Thank the Lord for the Weather Services that help pinpoint the hurricane’s landing ahead of time. Much like Old Testament Prophets, they warn us so we can get out of harm’s way! God's plan includes us! It includes warnings. We can be ignorant and ignore the warnings, or we can make sure of things ahead of time. God's plans for us are good, and we will never know all He has done to take care of us until we speak to Him, face to face. For now, we trust His unstoppable plan to help us, save us, love us, and bring us safely home. Praise Him!

(9-10-23)  Every now and then, I'll hear a performer play a chord on the guitar or piano and I think to myself, "I would play a different progression there." I believe interesting progressions could be genetic. I heard my cousin play the piano and she adds the same progressions that I love to use. Is it genetic, self-taught, listening to the same music growing up… what is it? From where does this knowledge come? God can give it naturally to some, but to most, it is learned from a music teacher. Knowledge can be innate, can be taught, can sometimes be caught, but what if God just decides to fill us full as the sea with it? Being full of His knowledge helps to eliminate sin. Reading Scripture increases knowledge of God, but we must remember it throughout the day as well. What if every creature, every person, everything, were full of the knowledge of God? We would know exactly what God knows about sin and avoid it. Isaiah sees that day coming, when the entire earth will be full of the knowledge of God. We can have a piece of heaven on earth today, by reading His Word to gain knowledge of Him. Try it!  Dig in! Study and know God. It will keep you from wanting to sin.

(9-7-23) When God tells us to take a stand, He never makes us stand alone. He is with us, but He also touches hearts, and lives of others to stand with us too. According to Paul, the work we do for Him is never wasted (1 Cor. 15:58). Our part is to be “all in” and not allow anything to persuade us otherwise. Scripture is the source of all Truth, so we must always see what the Bible has to say when dealing with… everything. God promises to give us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:56). Praise Him! 

(9-6-23) "You always mess things up," or "You are never on time." "Always" and "never" are ALWAYS filled with exceptions and NEVER completely correct. Does he/she ALWAYS mess things up?  Is he/she NEVER on time? We generalize when we're exasperated, but as humans, none of us can always or never be anything!  Only God can be "always" or "never" something. He always keeps His promises!  Do you believe that today? Maybe you find it difficult to believe because you haven't searched the scriptures to find a promise that fits your need. There are many promises, and God wants to highlight them for you as you read His Word. He's done this for me so many times for me and I often date them, so that when I see it again, and remember His goodness. I recite the promise, drill, drill, drill it, or else, I'll forget it. God's agreements/promises/declarations last forever! Recite a promise and Praise Him today. Here’s one off the top of my head: "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called to fulfill His purpose" (Rom
. 8:28).

(9-5-23) Were you ever disappointed in a gift? Maybe you asked for something and got something else. For whatever reason, lack of funds, lack of understanding, lack of commitment... the giver didn't "get it" for you. Let's face it! We're human! Only God can know our heart's desires and give us what we truly want and need. Without Him, there would be no good gifts in this world because Satan would rule completely, and we wouldn't have hope of good gifts. I can't imagine a good gift of evil, can you? God's spiritual gifts are always good ones to complement our hearts. They are right for us, and no one can stop the delivery of them, when God sees fit to give them. They are on time, and yes, some gifts come through other people, but the bottom line is this: seek God first and depend upon His strength, more than the strength of people. So, go to God, and He will provide the gift, meet the need, and secure our future, because that's what a good God does for His children. How we know it's from God?  Because it's not only good, it is best for us.

(9-4-23) I didn't grow up in a Pentecostal church, so when I hear TV preachers speak in tongues, I don’t understand what they are doing. As a Christian, instead of impressing me, it turns me off. Paul addresses the use or abuse of tongues in the early church. Evidently, people were "showing off" their gifts and unbelievers who happened in, thought they were crazy. Paul warns them to think like adults and to be careful when exercising the gift of tongues. I believe in all the gifts, but I also believe they are to edify and help grow the body, when used in the body. Spiritual maturity includes knowing when and where to use spiritual gifts, so that others come to Christ. In all things, liftingup the Gospel will draw others to the Lord.

(9-3-23) Getting ready for a trip abroad? Better have your passport up to date, along with some other forms of ID. If for some reason you're staying to work or go to school, you'll have to have additional papers, visas, etc. You will need other things, but you cannot forget these most important papers, or you won't be able to board a ship, a plane, or stay once you get there! Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:13, that faith, hope and love are the only things that will go with us forever. When we take that final flight heavenward, we'll need to have these things packed and ready to go... and nothing more. Daily, we must be careful to clothe ourselves in faith, adorn ourselves with hope and wear the perfume of love. Believers know these three things identify us as Christians but unfortunately, we sometimes forget to always have them with us. Be ready. Carrying grudges, anger, bitterness, hatred, jealousy, etc., will weigh us down for the flight and are not permissible in heaven! Only the carry-ons of faith, hope and love allowed. So, pack light every day, because you never know when you’ll hear:  "All aboard, Last call for passenger… YOU!" 

(9-2-2023 Our world has become so diversified, that we have all embraced non-partisanship without prejudice, right? Nope! Many still harbor feelings of mistrust and traces of racism. Bigotry and jealousy still exist, but in the Body of Christ, it is different, right? Nope! We still have some difficulties in the Body of Christ as well. We take a "Spirit gift" test to see what gifts fit our personalities and meet the desires of our hearts, but then we fail to study and recognize how God is working through others... especially if they show evidence of having the same gift! Can there possibly be two members with the gift of healing or two members with the gift of knowledge or prophecy? The rub can come when two or more members have the same or similar gifts! God's intention is to make each one of us unique in how we look, in personality, attitude and demeanor and this affects how we use our spiritual gifts. As we witness the work of the Holy Spirit in each one of us differently, it increases our faith… not incite jealousy! The Body of Christ is as beautiful to Him, with all the many different working parts, as the Bride is to Solomon in Song of Songs. Do we believe this?  Can God truly love us more than we know how to love others? He can and He does. Believing this increases our faith the most. Yes, we are loved by Him, so we can love and appreciate His gifts to us, and His gifts to others.

(9-1-23)  If we're honest, we know that even the best day isn't perfect. Gradually, we develop thicker skin so most of the troubles that splatter on us don't stick or sink in. We simply clean up the mess, wash our hands and move on. When reading in Proverbs this morning, "...good people may be bothered by trouble seven times, (but) they are never defeated..." the number "seven" signifies completeness and God uses that number a lot. He created the world in seven days and said it was good. Seven times seven represents an ideal or infinite number of times we are to forgive. The other readings today in Song of Songs, reminded us of Christ's love for His Bride, and then in 1 Corinthians 11, Christ’s call for us to commune with Him as a Body and as individuals. This all ties together! Troubles will bother us, seven days a week, but Christ our Lord wakes us up every day to commune with Him.  If He skips one day of waking us, we’re dead!  Get the picture?  He deserves our love, devotion, and time. His word reminds us of such important things as Prov. 24:26: “… they are NEVER defeated!" Never? That's right, never! But as with marriage, we shouldn’t skip a day without conversing with our spouse. We need to converse with our Lord and Savior, so we are encouraged and strengthened. His Word toughen us up so that we can take on the troubles of each new day…seven days a week.

(8-31-23)  Satan loves to stead our joy when we leave the door unlocked or even, wide open! The joy of the Lord is our strength! Joy is a state of mind. The things other people do or don't do, for sure, affect us, but as Christians, we must guard our joy. If we are thankful, prayerful, and thinking on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, we are able to hold our breath longer when submerged in someone else's bad day. Yesterday, starting off with a loss of power, turned into more "offs" throughout the day. So much of our lives involve haste, i.e., we must be somewhere at a certain time, or we have stuff to hand in, hand out, mail, etc., etc., deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. We get caught up in haste and yes, I'm going to say it, waste time being miserable. Solomon reminds us, we're going to be dead a long time! Let's enjoy every moment we have today, with the understanding that our purpose is to have fellowship with the Lord throughout the day and involve Him in everything we think, do and say... so enjoy being with Him!  You’ll be surprised at how those around us will be able to enjoy life because we are enjoying life!

(8-30-2023) No one can please all of the people, all of the time! Even within families, we have various opinions. Children are influenced by school, friends, work, social media, and hopefully, the church as well as family. We may not be able to discuss our theological differences. Jim and I were raised in a more legalistic time and church, so when we moved away, far away, we took a different stand on some things. You get the picture, I'm sure. Paul addresses this with a simple conclusion:  "I am not trying to do what's good for me, but what is good for most people so they can be saved (1 Cor. 10:33)!  I remember the King James Version goes something like this: "I am all things to all men that I might win some." Both sides of any equation must try to do what's best for the other side. An "I don't care what you think" attitude really has no scriptural bases. It's a slippery slope, but the Holy Spirit can give us discernment to do our best to look out for one another as we should. Following the example of Christ and, “submit to each other.” We must convince others that we indeed have the mind of Christ by really caring about them.

(8-29-23) When I tidy up, I move Jim’s little stashes of stuff.  Later, it can be exhausting for him looking for his stuff and also for me, guiding his search. We expect things to be in a certain place! Receipts, Keys, and cell phones especially, if moved causes a panic. Instead of getting angry, we just have to ask the person who moved it, or look all around for it. Taking time to look is the hard part, especially if we are in a hurry, but we must look all around. God says that temptation will come at us just because we are alive, and when it does, we must look all around for an escape. Since the devil wants our souls, he knows the buttons to push. He also knows we do not like to look for things, but God has a way of escaping that temptation somewhere in the room… we just have to look for it. Ask for God’s guidance to find it and don’t stop looking because it is always there!

 (8-28-23) TBA

(8-27-27) When I see the dust or hair on the floor, I wipe it up. With just the two of us, we can usually survive in the house by cleaning every other week... or so. It's the constant tidying, quick sweeping, or wiping over it with a Clorox wipe that makes all the difference. Don't let it go, or it turns into a nightmare to clean later! When love is at work, it is constantly cleaning up the small messes it comes across, the little spills and the corners that collect dusty buildup. Love looks for solid, good places to put things, and for foundation to build upon. Find solid faith in ourselves, and look for it in others, and begin. Sometimes, it is difficult to find “Clorox wipes” strong enough! We might have to completely remove “stubborn mold” and replace it. None of this is a quick fix, but rather, tedious and time consuming. This is often where we give up. It takes too much time to help someone else fix up their lives. Well, thank God He doesn't feel that way about us! He has all of eternity, and somehow, He wants us to receive that perspective when it comes to building up others. Just like one stone can break a window, one negative word can shatter someone else's faith. We have to remain positive and strong, so that we can help a weaker, or a broken down soul, build back up again!  

(8-26-23) As a young bride, I was enamored with one of the first TV mini-series called “The Thorn Birds.” All I remember about it now is that a very handsome young priest (Richard Chamberlain) fell in love with a woman and had to choose between her love or the love of God. The enticement of “forbidden fruit” was the underlying theme of this series. Paul speaks to the conundrum in 1 Corinthians chapter seven of choosing to marry or not to marry. As a 16th Century priest, Martin Luther spoke to it as well in his 95 Thesis which brought about the Reformation, his excommunication, and his own marriage. In Genesis, God made woman as a companion, helper, friend, and lover for man because He voiced, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). The bottom line is that sex outside of marriage is sin. Overlooking this commandment has consequences i.e., broken homes, broken hearts, disease, and abortion, along with sin, which separates us from God. The issues are enlarged today due to everyone’s opinions trumping Scripture and God’s design for the nuclear family. May the Lord open blind eyes, and deaf ears to hear the Spirit’s still small voice within… “The important thing is obeying God’s commands” (1 Cor. 7:19B).

(8-25-23) Our daughter Megan is a teacher who likes to teach outside the box. As an undergrad student, she had a Professor who told her she might want to find a different box altogether!  After only a couple years teaching, using those "out of the box" strategies, she was blessed with one of the top awards given in Florida for academic growth in her county. She went on to be a curriculum coach, she taught high school education to girls with eating disorders at a large Miami hospital and now, special ed students in Middle School.  She's GOT to work outside the box to differentiate for each one of those precious students. Her gift of creative teaching has helped her coach and grow high school cheerleaders, and she has just started her PhD program in Special Education. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with early onset of Parkinsons. Of course, the lesson is this: we don't understand why God allows us to endure some things, when others seem to float right along without any snags at all. A good and wise friend wrote on her fb page that we do our best when we stay around people who love us... hmmm... that's true, but difficult if we walk outside! We question, why is this person or that person so disagreeable, or maybe, just with me?  Chances are, they're disagreeable with everyone else too. We want answers! No matter the answers to our questions, like Job, we are responsible know our place! We are to praise God, no matter what, even without all the answers!  He differentiates with us, and we do not have to know why. We yield to His will, so that while we are yet alive, He can use us completely... sometimes outside the box, or in another box completely---thus, we trust!

(8-22-23) Human Resource people and air traffic controllers condition themselves to speak without showing any emotion in a crises situation. They stay calm, cool and collected because they are trained to rightly handle the controls that help them see the big picture. Their job is to make sure others see that big picture too, and understand their place in it. Pilots do not have this same perspective! Sometimes, we need help with perspective too. We must learn to trust others to give the coordinates and time our landings to avoid collisions. When linked to Christ, we become those who see through His lenses. We are linked to the One who controls all of the controls! He not only sees the big picture, He created it, and we are HIS workmanship---part of His big picture. Even under extreme pressure, we can be sure of our link to Him. Like Job, our innocence may be questioned, but no one can judge the secret purposes of our hearts (1 Cor. 4). Praise Him today for holding us, accepting us, and making us into His likeness. Linked to Him we are stronger, safe, and blessed by His Spirit’s calm peace and assurance within.

(8-21-2023) I like to have some lights on at night, inside and outside. For safety, we have spotlights around the house, front, back and sides. Paul reminds us today that we are God’s house---His Temple. His Spirit in us lights us up for others to see (1 Cor. 3:16).  God is the source of energy and of course, the Spirit of God is our endless light. Max Lucado says in his devotional today, that we must give more of ourselves to the Holy Spirit,  to have more of Him. We give him permission to come in and wire every room, every closet, every dark place. Paul goes on to describe what we look like to others without the Spirit. We look and act like the world. We example its jealousy with arguing, its grudges with bitterness, and its selfishness with our anger and greed. Oh that we would give the Lord permission to come and light every part of us! No more dark deceit or manipulation. After all, we ARE His Temple and we the Spirit’s power flowing so the light is always on!

(8-20-2023) Oh the tangled web we weave, when we manipulate and deceive! We might be able to pull the wool over the eyes of our friends, and even our families, but God's Spirit knows exactly what we're thinking. If we have misled others, God's Spirit knows! Have we been happy when our rivals fall? God's spirit knows! Have we laughed when they have trouble (Job 31:29-30)? The Spirit knows! And what's so amazing about the Spirit of God, is that He explains to us if we’re doing wrong (conviction) or if others are doing wrong (discernment). Does this mean we are judging? No. Christ is the judge, but the Spirit reports it as if on the front page of our hearts and minds. That's the power of having the mind of Christ. The Spirit speaks of Christ's desires which are first and foremost, salvation for all! People’s ears are closed so they cannot hear the Spirit's voice. Listening, waiting, searching, and praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives will give us many, "Ah-hah moments" where we get it but perhaps, others do not! We might ask, “Why would someone say or do something like that?” The Spirit of God will help us understand that a leaky ceiling in the kitchen starts with the roof. The problem is not the symptom itself.

(8-19-2023) Would good and evil come together and regularly share doughnuts and coffee? How ridiculous is that! Yet, as Christians, we somehow think we are going to be loved by everyone. We try to keep peace, but it will not always be reciprocated. Why is that? Paul spoke to the quarrelling amongst Christians (1 Cor. 1:10-13) who disagree over the teachings of different church leaders (sound familiar?). Some say, "I follow this one, or I follow that one," and Christ has been divided up into different groups in the church. Did these preachers die on the cross for you? No! (1:13). Unfortunately, politics creep into everything. The devil invented meanness, but God has promised to make us strong so that there will be no wrong in us on the day our Lord returns. Strength is not mean… it is kind. He who has called us into fellowship with Him and His Son, is faithful to make us like Him… kind. Do you believe that? Praise God and thank Him today that He will supply EVERY need, giving us EVERY good gift of the spirit, so that we can be like Him and faithful to Him until He returns or calls us home (1:7).

(8-18-2023) Job was tested concerning wisdom. His essays reveal his conclusion of the matter: “The fear of the Lord is wisdom; to stay away from evil is understanding (Job 28:28).” We think we are wise until God tests us. Job understood that no matter the destruction, the loss, the humiliation, the angst, the outlook… the correct answer to life’s tests is always: “… as long as I am alive and God’s breath of life is in my nose, my lips will not speak evil, and my tongue will not tell a lie. I will never agree you (others) are right; until I die, I will never stop saying I am innocent. I will insist that I am right; I will not back down. My conscience will never bother me (27:3-6).” When judged by others, Job was confident in his innocence because his conscience did not bother him. Can we say the same? If we truly fear God, we come to the same conclusion as Job. As children who have a healthy fear of consequences, we will not want to sin, to lie, or to speak evil. Innocence is evidenced by a clear conscience, and only a clear conscience can hold the wisdom of God.

(8-17-2023) Think for a moment about how easily our young people are distracted and drawn into doing what's wrong by those who have strong personalities. They might even stay in a group, doing what's wrong, just to remain popular! Adults do the same.  Like young babies being bottle fed, we rely on someone else to read and interpret scripture for us. If we are not getting a steady diet of protein from the Word of God by feeding ourselves every day, we might find ourselves as defenseless babes when evil comes around.  Evil is everywhere, and we need to KNOW right from wrong and practice it.  Paul writes in Romans 16:17, "Brothers and sisters, I ask you to look out for those who cause people to be against each other and who upset other people's faith. They are against the true teaching you learned." Beware!  Just say, "NO!"  Stay away!  Those who do not know about evil are like babes in the woods.

(8-16-2023) Somehow, we have lowered God to our level and have lost sight of His judgment, might and power. Job is frightened by God because he is being unusually tested. Perhaps we've lost the fear of God in our lives because we are not quite as innocent as Job, and there's no real need for God to "prove" anything to Satan concerning our faith! Can you imagine God discussing your life with the enemy of our souls? "Have you seen my servant ________? There is no one more innocent on the earth.” Could we put a name in that blank, our name or someone else’s name? The Psalmist reminds us that we should worship the Lord, not because it makes us feel good, but "because He is holy. “Tremble before Him, everyone on earth (Ps. 96:9)."  When was the last time you trembled before the Lord, acknowledge Who He Is, and who we are in His presence.  Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

(8-15-2023) We put "doggie wires" around the yard and our dogs wear a shock collar so they know about this wire. They know exactly where it is, and they stay about fifteen feet back away from it. Me? I don't know where it is, because Jim will move it around to mow, etc. So you guessed it, I get tripped and tangled in it and instantly, I'm down and dirty. There is no better way to avoid this, than knowing what and where it is, at ALL times, or better yet, bury it! What trips us up in our Christian walk isn't always a really big thing, but it's the little things. The opinions of others, the rumors, their tone and body language, even lies that are out there, the "fake news" and instantly, we get down and dirty. Know what pushes your buttons and guard against it because Satan knows! Know what trips you, because, again, Satan knows, and he will “move wires” to trip you. Get out there and bury those wires instead of just moving them around. God will reveal how to do it, and you will be his witness of things you have seen, able to teach and preach deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and set at liberty those who are bruised (Luke 4:18).*

*Prayers that Avail Much

(8-14-2023) We wouldn't hire a children’s director who doesn't love children! Likewise, we wouldn't go to a vet who doesn't love animals! We are all called to some kind of work. God's call includes pouring into us the necessary love for the calling. Paul says in Romans 13:1, that no ruler rules without the power from God.  For whatever reason, God calls us, appoints us, anoints us, and gives us a love for different things, so that we're not all doing the same work. This is just common sense, but sometimes, as in marriage, love fades with our work. It takes work (as in marriage) to keep the fires burning. Certainly, the Holy Spirit can spark the love we need today for our work or our marriages!! Here’s a test. Would you choose this work as a volunteer? If not, maybe it's not your calling!  Pray, seek, ask God to fill you with love for that job, or to show you if you somehow missed your calling! It is never too late to go back to school (I am proof of that)!

(8-13-2023) First responders come EQUIPPED to take care of many different disastrous events. Heart attack?  CPR and shock paddles. Fire? Water!  Lacerations? Bandages. Nowhere, no way would they put more heart attack on a heart attack, or more fire on a fire, or more lacerations on a laceration! No, they apply something good to the evil. Paul admonishes us today in Romans 12, to do some very difficult things, for which we are not EQUIPPED unless we have the help of the Holy Spirit in us. These are the types of things that are easier said than done.  "Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them (Rom 12:14)... "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink (12:20)"... "Do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them (20:19)...", etc.  We'd rather harm those who harm us, put evil on evil, throw our fire on their fire.  (Paul is talking about personal politics here, obviously, we don't stand by, and watch others being hurt!) "Come, let's sing for joy to the Lord. Let's shout praises to the Rock who saves us (Ps. 95:1). Let's come to him with thanksgiving. Let's sing songs to Him (95:2).  Get in His presence today, worship with other believers, and watch how He the Spirit equips us to handle the evil.

(8-12-2023)  We all have this fascination with the spirit world.  We sense things unseen in our gut. We know there is something more than just the physical. Some refer to it as an “alien world” attempting to discover it. Others have created creative theories and religions, but Job, the oldest book in the Bible, is spot on in revealing the True, unseen God. Job speaks of God, AND of Christ as intercessor. But wait, there’s a Third Person! This revelation was given to Job by the person of the Holy Spirit. Thus, our Triune Godhead is present from the beginning in Job. But who told Job? No human has seen God, except for Moses when God hides him in the cleft of a rock and passes by. The Holy Spirit is He who knocks at our heart's door with all kinds of special deliveries, visions, and revelations. He conveys to us, by way of discernment. Feelings of anger toward evil and compassion for the poor are mustered by Him.  Understanding consequences, natural or spiritual, is a special delivery of the Holy Spirit. God promises to give us His Spirit, the Comforter, to walk with us and explain what's going on around us. We must keep up the pace to hear what the Spirit is saying!

8-11-2023, travelling

(8-10-2023) Performers know what "face" means!  Singers, dancers, cheerleaders, majorettes, beauty contestants, all MUST paste on a smile, no matter what they feel inside. They are programmed to smile!  No doubt about it, a smile makes us beautiful! As Christians, our smiles are in two places, our mouths, and our eyes. The eyes are the windows to the soul. When people paste on a smile, we can tell in their eyes whether it's real. The joy of the Lord is our strength today and every day, and His love in our hearts should glow through our eyes.  I see so many people with sinking eyes and tiny pupils of fear. Paul says in Romans 10:11, "Anyone who trusts in the Lord will never be disappointed."  If we truly believe that He has everything in His control today, including us, we will smile, and let the joy of the Lord shine through our eyes as well.  Don’t just put on a happy face, but glowing eyes today!

(8-9-2023) Every now and then, I catch myself trying to be a Savior, instead of looking to the Savior and handing the problem over to Him.  Where in the world can I get the power to change myself, let alone someone else? It is faith in Christ alone that changes and transforms us into His image. His higher power is what will make the difference in us, and not our own power. His higher power is what will "save the day" and not our power. His higher power is what provides our needs, and not our power. Get where I'm going with this? Our work at work, or in the church isn't going to make it grow, it is God's power that does it! Our great ideas and ability to work extra hours isn't going to matter if it's not accompanied by grace. God’s grace helps us recognize that even the desires in our hearts are placed there by God! His laws will stand forever; His Temple (His church) will be holy forevermore (Ps. 93:5). Get the point? The power of God’s grace is greater than the rising, pounding waves, and HE will complete His plans through us, as we trust HIM to do it by HIS grace, which is our power.

(8-8-2023) I love putting little white lights on trees at Christmas time, especially wrapping any palm trees in the yard. In fact, I love it so much that I don’t remove them after Christmas! I let them continue to come on via a timer each night until they burn out. My neighbors probably think I’m crazy, but it makes my heart sing, so I don’t care what they think! When they burn out, I refresh them… all year. We should be that way about letting our lights shine for Christ---being a witness for Him. We should love His light on us, His “planted trees” (Ps. 92:12). Maybe He’ll even put a few spotlights on us! God says his children will grow like palm trees, tall and gorgeous!  It's a worthy goal for sure.  Our witness is even brighter when we light up the night and help others find their way to Him.  The secret, never stop growing and changing by reading God’s Word.  We are apt to forget His teachings if we stop, or think we'll remember it.  Refresh the memory every day, and God will do the rest to keep us going and growing and bearing good fruit.

(8-7-2023) We’ve all been caught second-guessing a response or decision we've made.
We are left wondering, "Was I right to say that, or was I wrong to react that way?"  I am good at kicking myself. Our reading in Job today helps us. This poor man's life is a mess, and his friends are trying to prompt him to confess what he might have done wrong to deserve these consequences. He argues right back at them saying, "I know right from wrong!" He knows this because He knows God. We can have this same confidence and know God by reading His Word. We can be just sure as Job, but we must be ready for when the devil accuses us (which is his FULL-TIME job). Fight back, with Word as our sword. Today's reading in Romans has three important scripture we should memorize for our defense:  Rom. 8:28, 8:31 & 8:37... you remember them, "We know that in everything God works for our good..., If God is for us, who can be against us..., In all these things, we are more than conquerors..."  So kick yourself less, and praise God more!

(8-6-2023) Life isn't fair, but God is!  We rail at the thought of one football team executing a play with more players than the other... it's just not fair! Even I know that it's the referee's job to count and make sure the sides are equal in number before the play. Spiritually, when Jesus is Lord of our lives we begin an incredible journey where seeing is believing.  God will bring about a blessed balance between our suffering for the sake of Christ and sharing the glory of Christ (Rom. 8:17).  Psalm 91:15 says, "I will give them a long, full life, and they will see how I can save."  Our Almighty God wants to enrich our lives with blessings that counter the suffering. His scales will tip on the side of blessing so that we flourish spiritually. Our lives will be enriched as we stand guiltless before Him… and according to Psalm 91:16, He will let us live long enough to see any curse against us slide off like water on a duck. The Lord knows those who love and know Him (Ps. 91:14). Trust His Word when He says, "They will call to me and I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them (Ps. 91:15)." Let Him right the wrongs! The biggest blessings are in SEEING how He rescues us. Praise Him!

(8-5-2023) Accountability. Many Americans like the freedom of entrepreneurship and being accountable to only the government to pay taxes. Human nature does not enjoy being accountable to others and this begins early in life. We have discipline problems at every age level in our schools and even hear of it in preschools! God is a God of accountability! We get our standards of accountability from the Laws of Moses, and Paul explains all this in today’s readings in Romans seven. But it is in Job that we see how God holds everyone accountable… even Satan. Yes, even the fallen angels must come before the Lord and give an account of their business! It is not just turning in a written report at the end of a season, it is a face to face conversation. David writes in Psalm 91:11, "He has put his angels in charge of you, to watch over you wherever you go." There are battles raging of which we cannot see right now. Like Job, we must trust that God is in complete control, and when we are called before Him, we will be found to be, like Job, innocent (Job 2:9-10)!!

(8-4-2023)  I am amazed at how fast time flies!!  It seems like we just got ready for our choir Christmas party in August 2022, yesterday! Schools start next week, 2023! Teaching students is joyous, but it is also full of hidden dangers. Joys and dangers come with every profession. As teachers, ministers, program directors, etc., our morals are held to a higher standard because we help to shape and mold others. Social Media trips us up the most. Complaining and "venting" causes damage as well! We are given scriptural knowledge and we must take it to heart and guard it as precious, but also, believe it.  If someone puts out "false news” about us, we trust God to vindicate. He might give us an opportunity to say something, but He might not! We must study, pray, trust, and follow His still small voice in such matters. I heard someone say one time that preachers HAVE to forgive when someone hurts them.  That is true! And it is true for every other Christian as well!!  As Believers, we are held to a higher standard, because we have knowledge of what God says is good.  We have the handbook, and we're required to read it, take it to heart, believe it, AND follow it.

8-3-23 TBA

(8-2-2023) We help someone who later helps us! We did not calculate the chances of things happening in our lives that are more than coincidences like this, but when they do, we acknowledge God having been at work for us. In the book of Esther, we see where God is working on a situation to save the Jewish people who are about to experience genocide by a hateful man, Haman. Queen Esther, a Jewess, holds a fast and prayer meeting about the situation BEFORE she takes any action. Likewise, our fasting and prayers work! God goes behind the scenes, before Esther to the King's Court, where she risks death as she approaches him, uninvited. The Spirit then moves again that very night so that the King cannot sleep and .... you must read the rest of the story! God orchestrates not only the salvation of the Jews, but complete exoneration and justice concerning the dreadful Haman. Is there a Haman in your life? Read the book of Esther!! God works on our behalf, day and night, to protect His precious children. Praise Him!

 (7-31-2023) We all understand the need for surveillance. We appreciate that the FBI conducts surveillance in such a way that if they suspect someone is involved in terrorism, they will intercept their evil plans to protect us. American troops just don't monitor a situation, they step in to stop it! Wouldn't our Father God, who is omniscient and omnipresent, do the same for His beloved children? Certainly! He doesn't just monitor a situation, He steps in to intercept the wickedness as well. Abigail and Esther are two examples of champions who rise up to intercept and reroute wickedness. *  Abigail protects and delivers David from the plot of Nabal, and Esther takes a message to the king from her uncle about an assassination plan. As Christians, we are never out of the crosshairs of the enemy because we are all anointed and appointed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for God's people in our government, God's people in our workplaces, and especially, God's ministers and missionaries. God can certainly use us to help Him not just monitor a situation, but to help intercept and reroute wickedness, protecting and delivering God's children from harm. *
Prayers that Avail Much*

(7-30-2023) God is not trying to manipulate anyone. He has written his laws on the heart of every man and woman born into this world by giving a conscience. Even good people, who follow their consciences will skip over the things Paul says in Romans because they don't want to ruffle any feathers or offend anyone.  Let's keep everyone happy, right? Fact is, Paul is talking about what makes God angry, not happy, and this includes people who hide the truth!! Right off the bat in Romans chapter 1, today's reading, we see that Paul isn't okay with disobedience to God’s Word. Today, we want to disregard it, the Old Testament, and even the New, thinking Jesus overruled God’s commands. Really?  How did this lie get started? Rather, Jesus came to FULFILL the law, not change it! If we fulfill it, like He did, we will want to live our lives pleasing to God! However, we have to know what pleases God. Is God pleased with cover-ups of the Word? Is He pleased that we have no knowledge of His Word, except for what some preacher says? Not at all.  He IS pleased with those who speak the truth in love, and in doing so, help pull others from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light.*  The warmth of God's love will not cover-up anything that is going to have us saying, "What happened?" when we stand before Him someday.  READ and KNOW the truth for yourself, and the TRUTH WILL set you free.
Prayers that Avail Much*

(7-29-2023) I need to work outside today. We have had a lot of rain and those weedy vines that grow in South Georgia are taking over. The story of Paul's snake encounter puts me on high alert! I will wear boots and leather gloves. The snake most likely bit him because of the heat of the fire. Snakes get into woodpiles or even fire pits. When we preach, teach, or live by the Word of God, it ignites the conscience in some to make them mad enough to bite. Beating the bushes for snakes is not wise, but being aware of their habits and protecting ourselves makes good sense. We must put on the whole armor of God, and trust that He will complete the work He has called us to do.  When we suit-up, we pray-up, fire-up, and look-up God's Word, for protective faith that nothing can stop.

(7-28-2923) Jim drove big semi-trucks to pay our way through Seminary, so I trusted his judgment when he strapped a big, ten-foot arbor in the back of our pick-up truck to bring it from PA to GA! I trust his greater knowledge of maximum vehicle heights on national highways. I remember it was a little scary going into the tunnels, carrying that high load, but once through, I realized there was no need to worry in the first place because Jim KNOWS his stuff! All I need to do is follow. It’s not enough to follow unsure, but we all tend to do that. The Bible says in Psalm 89:15, "Happy are the people who KNOW how to praise you. Lord, let them live in the light of your presence."  KNOWING how to praise God is like KNOWING how high a truck can be and still go through tunnels. We learn, experience, and remember the facts about God to get to KNOW Him, so that when we find things impossible to change, we KNOW that HE can make it all work out. * This KNOWING God, makes it possible to continuously praise Him.

(7-27-2023) Men and women in battle are more likely than we to encounter situations where they think, "This is it!" You can bet their thoughts go straight to their wives and children... and then, to God. The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song with lyrics that fit here: "Sometimes it takes a mountain, sometimes a troubled sea, sometimes it takes a desert, to get ahold of me."  God allows the brinks and uses them to help us see His outstretched hand to pull us closer to Him, either this side of eternity, or into our blessed rest.  We learn from the brinks there is a God.  He uses them to show us Himself, His strength, and His power to save our lives and our souls.  We are not afraid, and like Paul, we can tell souls on a sinking ship, "Have courage (Acts 27:25-26)...we're going to crash," and we know God has promised to save our lives and souls, using brinks to prove it. Either way, we will have His hand.

(7-26-2023) We need the support of others in our visions. Nehemiah saw the changes coming around the corner and ordered a new plan of action for the people working on the walls, rebuilding Jerusalem.  He got wind of the enemy's plans to stop the work, and Nehemiah ordered that people to work with a partner at all times and come together when they hear the trumpet (Neh. 4:20). We cannot ignore our need any more to partner with others of like minds to stand against the enemy. Satan makes new plans of action all the time to stop us by constantly looking for breaks and weaknesses in our walls. From now on, we must more actively partner up to do the work or rebuilding the Kingdom. Don’t ignore the need to congregate! Share your needs, your workload with others! For many, this is a new plan of action because we have isolated ourselves for so long. But seriously, we really do have to start working together to better support one another as a group to fulfill the work of the Lord in our world.

(7-24-2023) God must look down on His children and just shake His head when we fuss and don't play well together. It takes wisdom and maturity to mediate a disagreement and move on. Truly, if we DID play well together, there would not be hundreds of Protestant denominations! People have always had different beliefs within the same religion. Paul sided with the Jewish Pharisees on resurrection which created a rift with the Jewish Sadducees who did not believe the soul would continue after death. I've been on this soapbox before because I've seen a thing or two in our churches where people take sides and then frankly, despise each other! They loyally choose favorites: "I'm with Paul, or I'm with Barnabas," or “I am with this preacher’s theology or I like that one!" The slogan, "All for one and One for All” should be a good one for Believers, but it seems to only work with the fictitious Three Musketeers. When people disagree theologically, how can they continue worshipping God in spirit and truth together? Believers, be careful. Tearing down one another OR one another's churches cannot be pleasing to the Lord! The world sees it like Festus does in Acts 25:17... "I think it is foolish… “ (that they are fighting about their religious beliefs). They watch our “fussing” like a reality TV show, which is not a good witness at all. Yes, we need to find a church and worship with like-minded people, but in the meantime, play and work well together, and if we disagree, agree to disagree… and move on!

(7-24-2023) There are standards, oaths, and ethical guidelines written into every profession, i.e., doctors, teachers, preachers, lawyers, etc. Shouldn’t it be the same for one’s faith? What separates us from the world? As Christians, we have confessed our sins and we are forgiven but are we living by a new set of standards? The Word of God holds them. Paul says in Acts 24:14, that he “… believes everything that is taught in the law of Moses and that is written in the book of the Prophets.”  We don't slip back into our old nature because we're not "feeling" the new one! We study and we learn the new standards until we get to the place where we have them memorized. Christ helps us with this by "stamping" His image upon our hearts, and we can be sure, He will be observing to help us follow the standards of our new faith, which have NOTHING to do with feeling!!  Confess those sins, and then, find the blessed freedom of continuing to walk by them, not as a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the Word (James 1:23-25)! * 
* Stormie Omartian

 

(7-23-2023)  If you've ever been overwhelmed with too much to do, you're not alone! This epidemic of business is killing our bodies, hearts, minds and souls. Max Lucado says in today’s devotional in Grace for the Moment Daily Bible: "We are too busy to be content...But people seem strangely proud of their ulcers and headaches." * He goes on to say that in order to find peace, we must pay the price which is to trade in our schedules, frustrations and anxieties. In Christendom, we like to refer to this as, "Laying our burdens at the foot of the cross." This means a trip to the cross each day.  It also means trying to live right and stay loyal to the Lord and His Word. God is more than able to deal better with our problems than we!! Is it possible to torch our sixteen-hour days? * All things are possible!!  Even changing our schedules to include time each day to make the exchange of our burdens for the peace that passes understanding.  "Try it, you'll like it!" seems to fit here.

Max Lucado*

 (7-22-2023) Today we are reminded to stay humble. Yesterday, Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen, but today he quotes a command from Exodus: "You must not curse a leader of your people (Acts 23:5 & Ex. 22:28)." This is a hard one for both conservative and progressive Christians. We have our rights, yes, but if we are following the commands of our Lord and submitting to one another in love, we are NOT cursing our leadership. This takes humility. We can disagree, but not curse. Staying small in our own eyes, the Lord will lift us up to the highest level---which is that of a soul winner. You thought it was being a money-making-power-hungry-status. No, it’s a soul-winner.  When was the last time you prayed with someone to receive Christ? Staying small and humble in our own eyes helps to walk without stumbling because we know we need to hold God’s hand. The most important things in life truly ARE free. Lead souls to Christ, pray for leaders, and seek humility---all free! In Ezra we see God change the heart of the king to help His people rebuild the Temple (Ezra 6:22). God works through Christian and non-Christians leaders. Trust Him and be obedient to His Word, even as Paul was obedient to carefully humble himself before the leaders of his day who hated him (Acts 23:5).

(7-21-2023) All Americans have certain rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  We should know our rights and stand up for them, as Paul did in Acts 22. He is about to be beaten without proper due diligence as a Roman citizen. When he claims his rights, the soldiers immediately back off (Acts 22:25). We need to unapologetically claim our rights as well in both the natural and the spiritual worlds. When the devil comes to steal, just call on the name of the Lord, “Jesus” and be saved (Joel 2:32). God wants us to stand up to the enemy when he comes against us because we are BORN into God’s Kingdom. We take His Name and can claim all the rights thereof!

(7-20-2023) In any relationship where there is true love, we are committed.  We wouldn't do anything to hurt that person or the relationship. It's the same with our relationship with the Lord.  Miracles are wonderful, and as Christian believers, we've experienced the miracle of sins forgiven. We know the joy of guilt removed, and the heart purified. The presence of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to NOT want to sin! With God’s benefits, we want to SHOUT praise to God and thank Him for the gift of salvation and eternal life. The real reason we are sold out and committed to Him is that He loves us and we love Him. That's it!  His love! Without it, we wouldn't know how to love Him back, or to love one another.

(7-19-2023) I can probably count on one hand the times I've slept that late in the last few years! No matter what time I get up, I must start with coffee and scripture before I can do anything else. I love God's Word and how wonderful it would be if this is what people remember about me, as they remembered about Josiah!  In today's reading, King Josiah does what is right as king and orders his people to fix the broken-down Temple. In its ruins, they find the Scriptures and Josiah reads them for the first time. He's a good king without them, just going on oral tradition, but now, His eyes are completely opened to the truth... and the consequences of obedience to God.  He directs his people to follow the directions in the Word, to remove the idols, and prepare to celebrate the Passover.  They are once again, on track for God's help and blessings.  He has set before us life and death, blessing and cursing, and we choose every day to follow or ignore it (Deut. 30:19-20). *  What we love makes a big difference!  Do we love the Teachings of the Lord?  They are truth, peace, and life for us.

*Prayers that Avail Much

(7-18-2023) We have always trusted God to take care of us on every side (2 Chron. 32:33), and of course, He has. Like Paul, when we agree to shepherd a church (Acts 20:24), it is like holding His lambs in our arms. These lives are so precious because God bought them with the death of His own Son.  Like birthing and caring for our own babies, some of us in ministry are concerned about the pain within the whole process of “giving birth” but others are concerned about the huge responsibility of discipleship. Paul says there will be pain, and there will be wolves that come and we must be ready to protect the lambs. Like Hezekiah, God will take care of us on every side, and like Paul, "... The most important thing is that we complete our mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave us---to tell people the Good News about God's grace (Acts 20:24)."  God will guide every step, as we listen to Him (Ps. 85:8).  And Max Lucado reminds us today, that we listen with an open Bible.

(7-17-2023) I have been reading a book this week about eating healthy. It's so hard to eat healthy when on vacation. Why? Because we tend to want to eat out and there are so many other choices on the menu! Our eyes ignore the star beside the diet foods, reminding us, "You really SHOULD order this." But those pancakes the waitress brought to the people in the next booth look so good! Eating healthy every day is about as hard as having daily devotions! What feeds the soul is as important as what feeds our bodies. We can easily chew on an appetizer of bitterness which spoils our appetite for the meat of God’s Word, but there is hope! God recognizes when we are trying to be obedient. Sometimes, it's a matter of knowledge! We must be taught what's good, and what's not good for us. That means we go to a class, a Bible study, read a book, and seek the right knowledge from the right people. Hezekiah tried to obey God in his service, and he tried to obey God's teachings and commands. Thus, the Word says he had success (2 Chron. 31:21). Likewise, God will bless our efforts with success. He knows we are but human, and He recognizes when we are trying to do the right things

(7-15-2023) The expressions on our faces are the first indication of what's going on inside of us. There are many physical reasons, i.e., not enough sleep, not eating healthy food, stress, etc. Some, unfortunately, frown due to a contentious spirit, which is an uncontented spirit! We believers must be diligent to get our rest, but also, we must be diligent to wipe that frown off our faces! The joy of the Lord is our strength, and we are supposed to have learned, as Christians, to be contented in all circumstances… really?  That's not what your frown says!

(17-14-2023) The other night in a restaurant, the people in the next booth were talking about sending their children to church camps in the area. Earlier, a cashier told us her father had been a Methodist minister. Driving through the little towns we’ve seen many newly disaffiliated Methodist churches. North, South, East, West---Bible believers are everywhere. I believe there is a silent majority of people in this nation who still hold to a biblical worldview, but they are not going to protest in the streets. The Lord encourages Paul in Acts 18:9 & 10, to continue preaching the gospel because, "Many of my people are in this city!"  This should encourage us to defend our faith and stand strong in our cities! The media wants to make us believe that we are wrong and that living immoral lives is right, but they sugar-coat it as being progressive. These cultural lies are propagated by the father of lies himself. The Truth makes us free to oppose them, live moral lives, and defend it.

(7-13-2023) It's no secret, divorce rates in America have reached epidemic proportions, along with sex trafficking and child pornography. Hearts have become hardened, calloused, and toughened over time. This protective covering turns into a thick layer that nothing can penetrate. Hardened hearts do not feel pain anymore. Hardened hearts make cold decisions when it comes to others. The work of the Holy Spirit is to speak to our hearts, but our hearts have to be tender enough to hear His still small voice. What to do? Stop, drop, and marinate in the Word of God! Baste in His presence through prayer. Soak in His light and love and ask Him to dissolve any hardness that has formed over the years, especially in marriages. Plow up the soil, and plant new seeds of love. God wants to do this for us. Ask, and He will, because it is His will that our hearts remain tender toward Him so we can know right from wrong and agree with others whose hearts are tenderized. Pray for hardened hearts in America to be tenderized. God has ways of bringing people to their knees (Prov. 21:1).

(7-12-2023) Because of COVID, everyone has a working knowledge of ZOOM or TEAMS meetings, which is a good thing. Each week for almost a year now, Jim and I have joined in on a ZOOM prayer meetings each Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. We have seen God’s power work several miracles through the prayers of this little partnership which fuels our faith to continue. In 2 Chronicles 21, God has to send a prophet to tell King Jehoshaphat that He is not pleased with whom the King has partnered. In the past, Jehoshaphat has served the Lord and has been blessed, miraculously by the Lord, but later, he decides to go into business with a foreign king, building ships. He uses God’s blessing of peace for Judah, to join up with a nation that is unholy. We pray for peace, but then, we must be so careful in negotiating friendships, partnerships, marriages, and in all of the many ways in which we partner with others! Seek God's discernment and approval when joining with others.  Test the spirits and wait on the Lord in fasting and prayer before making partnerships. God cannot bless evil unions, and we want to avoid making the same mistake that Jehoshaphat made for sure!

(7-11-2023) There are church leaders “prophesying” that everyone is going to heaven because they do not believe in hell. We need clarity! One can get clarity by reading through the entire Word of God, Old Testament and New. Yes, the OT’s: "Eye for Eye and Tooth for Tooth" becomes "Turn the other cheek" in the NT, right? Not always! In today’s reading we see Paul and Silas standing up for their rights as Roman citizens and demanding an apology (Acts 16:38-39). Christ gives us a way to be free of all sin and evil in our lives by sending His Spirit to help us discern and clarify when to turn the other cheek, and when to take a stand. God has promised to give us wisdom to know the difference. Turning the other cheek is like a tag-team-signal for God to step into the ring! When we stand against injustice and evil, He stands right beside us, and when He has had enough of the evil, he plans a heavenly coup i.e.,  2 Chron. 18:18-24. Fed up with Ahab, God’s spirit tricks Ahab’s prophets to lie to him about going into battle. Ironically, God allows Micaiah, his prophet, to tell Ahab the truth: “Ahab, the Lord has made your prophets lie to you, and the Lord has decided that disaster should come to you” (18:22). Ahab shrugs God’s prophet off and dies in battle. Need clarity? Read your Bible!

(7-10-2023) "Open your mouth and I will feed you” (Ps. 81:10), prompts memories of trying to get our own little ones to eat! Half the trouble is getting them to focus on eating! They will open wide for dessert, but not necessarily for something nutritious. God promises to feed us, but we must stay close to Him (2 Chron. 15:2), which makes good sense. He will give us ALL that we need to fulfill our purpose and mission, on one condition---that we stay with Him. Staying power is a tough concept these days. Husbands and wives drift apart, children leave the nest, friends drift away over time, etc., but Solomon puts our relationship with God in the right perspective: “The Lord decides what a person will do; no one understands what his life is all about (Prov. 20:25). This puts us totally in God’s high chair for life, doesn't it? Even as adults, we are always going to be dependent on Him to feed us, so, make it easy and not such a messy process. Stay close to Him!

(7-9-2023) Traveling---will post soon!

(7-8-2023) This is one of those touchy, gray areas for believers---we disagree and both be right?  The classic example for "how to agree to disagree" is found in tomorrow’s reading with Paul and Barnabas, Acts 15:36-41. Wise Solomon writes this: “Don't say, ‘I'll pay you back for the wrong you did.’  Wait for the Lord, and He will make things right” (Prov. 20:22). In today’s reading, Jeroboam picks his own priests in (2 Chronicles 11:14-15), because he wants to follow the culture and worship idols, but many in Israel chose NOT to do what Jeroboam and his priests were doing, and instead left to go to Jerusalem to worship. Today this is happening within the United Methodist Church. Scripture says one thing about culture, and about choosing priests, “holy unto the Lord,” in the OT, and “with one wife,” in the NT. So, the UMC is choosing their own priests who follow the culture, just like Jeroboam. "Who is right?" Wait on the Lord for that answer. Meanwhile, place each other in the Lord's care and continue the ministry.  Sometimes, there are separations, but God's spirit can help us submit to each other in love and agree to separate, while committing each other into His care.

(7-7-2023) Christians do silly things. We take advice from people without prayerfully seeking God first, like Rehoboam. He refused the advice of his father Solomon’s advisors to be kind to his people. God's gift of wisdom to Solomon is a product of Solomon's desire to have it! He asked specifically for it. Wisdom should be at the top of our prayer list every day because we are only human! Without asking, we lack discernment, and we start worshipping the wrong things. Peter and Barnabas were appalled when the people of Lystra want to sacrifice bulls to them as if they are gods. Again, people being silly humans. We need wisdom in all parts of life, i.e., relationships, work, and especially, who and how we worship. We just don't have the wisdom and kindness we need, naturally. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you” (Mt. 7:7).

(7-6-2023) Lately, religion and politics seem to be sharing the same words, i.e., majority, minority, conservatives and progressives, leaning right or left, etc. Conservatives in politics stick to the constitution as written, while progressives say it doesn't apply to our culture, day, and time.  Conservatives in religion stick to the Scriptures as written, while progressives say it doesn't apply to our culture, day, and time. Both conservatives and progressives need backing and support. Interestingly, words like, “sin” or “humility” are omitted from speeches of leaders to get people to choose sides. God is on the side of the humble who seek Him and ask forgiveness (2 Chron. 7:14). While the Redeemed must brace for opposition, God supports with joy for strength and the Holy Spirit for advice. God’s Word holds the promises and hope needed to move forward to victory.

(7-5-2023) Misbehaving children can be redirected and if that doesn't work, we whisper that if they'll behave themselves, they'll receive some-such reward, and if that doesn't work, we take them aside and spell out the consequences, and if that doesn't work... and on and on and on!!  We try NOT to call children out in front of their peers because it's humiliating for one thing, but it usually makes their defenses stronger and bad behavior escalates. We read today in Acts 13, that Paul throws protocol out the window. His homiletics wouldn't fly today. We can't point a person out in a crowd today like he does because we've been trained and educated that it is culturally unacceptable! Imagine heaving a preacher say, "You son of the devil!  You are an enemy of everything that is right!  You are full of evil tricks and lies, always trying to change the Lord's truths into lies (Acts 13:9)."  Straight talk for sure, but how can we do this? Believers need protection when evil people detect that we believe Scripture as infallible and relevant for today! Paul is called on to speak in a worship service by people who are worshiping God. He says, “Listen!” because he knows his message is going to convict, and even condemn. As the Lord’s sheep, we need to be sure to step a little closer to the Shephard when identifying the wolves.

(7-4-2023) Today, it's popular trace one’s family tree. DNA testing, ancestry.com, are readily available for a price. Amazingly, people will study and accept their family roots, but not their American roots. If an American leader takes a religious stand to acknowledge God, the media calls him/her, “insane.” reading about Peter's miraculous escape from prison, I found a parallel.  While he was in prison, the church was praying for him. America! We are indeed surrounded by “guards” (the liberal media) in our own nation who want us to be quiet! But if churches will pray, God can still send angels! Only a miracle of God could have caused those chains to drop without waking the guards on either side of Peter!  Likewise, we need a miracle to remove chains for us today, while keeping the “guards” asleep! When churches pray, the power of God is stoked. Wake up church! Pray and expect results. Glory in the freedom that to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. The key? A praying church. The believers were gathered, praying for Peter.  We must make it a priority to do our part and pray for America’s Christian leaders. Pray also for the Christians around the world who do not have the miracle and blessing of freedom.

(7-3-2023) Prejudice is part of the fall, as is evidence throughout the Bible! The early body of believers began arguing about Peter’s mission in Joppa, to people despised.  As Americans, we cannot imagine such prejudice, and yet, we look around our sanctuaries and see people who are mostly, if not all, just like us because our churches are still quite segregated!  The mark of the believer is the presence of the Spirit.  His presence in our lives blinds us to outward appearances and the social status of others.  There is no explanation for the love and grace in our hearts, other than the Spirit of the Lord. The presence of His Spirit is not normal.  Did Jesus suffer and die for only some of us?  No, He gave His life so that whosoever may come, believe that He is God’s Son, and be saved.  No arguing, just praising God and encouraging the believers, helping each one to receive the Spirit. Today, pray for the outpouring of God’s Spirit, not only on your church, but believing churches everywhere.

(7-2-2023) For some reason I am reflecting on mornings at our cottage in PA today. We go back there each summer for some R & R., but with Jim’s new business, “Dock Dynasty,” we might have to put off our normal July trip. I hate to miss the early morning sunrises shortly after 5:00 a.m. There is usually fog on the mountains that tries to hide the sun’s glorious morning routine and that makes me think, even creation is a bit stubborn… but God's will, will be done, and that sun will rise. Why? God knows we need the sun to dispel the darkness every day. Likewise, we need Him every day. In today’s Scripture reading David knows his days are numbered, so he prays that God will MAKE the people want to serve and obey Him always (1 Chron. 29:18). We think that since God has given us a free-will, He cannot MAKE us serve Him, but think again! That financial need, illness, or problem person in your life could indeed be a set up. God's way is to ride us hard until we become SO thirsty for Him. Wesleyan doctrine describes God as the “Hound of Heaven” who goes after the wayward! Praise Him!  He doesn’t leave us as prey to the stubborn fog and darkness of this world. The sun is going to rise!

(7-1-2023) American churches today want only to focus on God's love and grace, no matter what people do with lives lives, but the Scriptures, reveal the whole character of God. In 1 Chronicles 26-27, the chapters list all the many guards of the Lord's gates, temple property, and storehouses.  Psalms 78, focuses on God's anger throughout verses 56-64, Proverbs, on laziness and seeking wisdom, and Acts 10, on spreading the Gospel to EVERYONE – no prejudice allowed! God’s will for us does not give us room for our own selfish endeavors. Our time, our money, our minds, our talents, our gifts, our relationships... ALL these things become HIS to manage. When we accept Jesus as Savior, He becomes Lord. Democracies don't have Lords, so maybe that's why folks find it difficult to submit completely to the Lordship of Christ! Putting Him first enlarges our tents and strengthen our stakes so that we can, in every way possible, share the Good News which is the power of God unto what?  Our leisure? Our blessing? No… our salvation and our purpose as believers is to share that salvation with others.  Committing our way to Him ensures that He will direct our time, our money, our minds, and provide everything we need as well. Give it all to Jesus!

(6-30-2023) Eyes would widen if a popular atheist were to enter a church service. This is the case for the Body of Believers and Saul. He has been killing believers left and right, but Jesus knocks him off his donkey and has an actual “come-to-Jesus” time with him. Who will believe Saul?  Barnabas does (Acts 9:22). Saul’s conversion became the catalyst for a time of peace in the Body of Christ, which brought about growth in the church. Max Lucado makes a case for this most important conduit of peace---acceptance.  Once the Body of Believers accepted Saul’s conversion, they experienced a time of peace and growth. When God changes people that doesn't mean others will automatically accept them! Who is it that you have trouble accepting into your circle of friends? Ask God to search your own heart because most likely, there is unforgiveness, and unacceptance because that person might have embarrassed you, that person didn't accept you, that person lied about you, etc. In Saul’s case, he had tried to kill all of them! Pray for conversions, yes, but also, pray that God will give you the understanding, forgiveness and love to accept one another in the Body of Christ so that perhaps we too can experience a time of peace and growth in our churches.

(6-29-2023) God is so merciful!  He understands that we are easily distracted by the things that don't matter to Him.  If we live our lives in complete obedience to Him, He promises to make all things fall into place as they should, according to His plan.  King David is duped somehow by Satan, just as Eve was in the garden. God had told him never to count his people, so for him, taking a census would be a sin. Joab confronts David and reminds him that God considers it a sin to number his servants... a sin of great pride.  Prideful sins seem to sneak up on us disguised as ways to give God glory, when it is a means for our own glory. We need help from God to detect and discern when the devil is involved. Keep in mind, the devil is not omnipresent, so if he is “making you” do something, you, and everyone around you, are in trouble. David says it best, "I am the one who sinned and did wrong.” So often, when we are disobedient and sin, others get caught up in the consequences! I like how Max Lucado simplifies it today when he names the things we do, that we don't consider sins... "Have you ever been dishonest with His (God's tithe) money?  That's cheating.  Ever gone to church to be seen rather than to see Him?  Hypocrite!  Ever broken a promise you made to God?  Don't you deserve to be punished?"* We have indeed been saved by God’s mercy, His grace and His kindness because we are yet alive! No one wants to discuss God’s anger and judgment (Ps. 78:34-38). Praise Him today, and confess any sin, because Satan (or his 1/3 of the angels) can blind, mislead, deceive, trick, coerce, or lead us to believe, sin is not sin… but it always has been sin and always will be. Praise God for His love and mercy, that He does not destroy us.  

*Max Lucado

(6-27-2023) Growing in Christ means growing in faith. Faith believes God’s promises, and this is the hard part. According to Psalm 78:22, God gets angry when we fail to trust Him. We all have ways of being tested, and we all have needs that only God can fulfill, but we do not have to beg Him, or test Him either. We simply ask in Jesus’ name and believe that He is right beside us and knows what we need before we ask. Yet, we are told to pray and verbalize our needs. Perhaps, this is more to document any communication with Him, i.e., a text message. One can look back at the communication (if it’s not erased) and see that there was effort. Often, I ask Him for something and the answer I receive in my spirit is, “Trust Me.” We act as if we're surprised when He answers more specifically and fail to believe the answer came from Him!  We should expect it, because faith is a process, one day at a time, and God will answer right on time. So, don’t make Him angry today by questioning His love, His provision, or His promise to provide all Your needs.

(6-26-2023) The law of reciprocity is simple. What goes around comes around. We reap whatever we sow. David instructs his people in 1 Chronicles 16:12 to remember the miracles of God. Stephen gave his assassins a history lesson before they stoned him. Both David and Stephen know the importance of speaking about God to others to encourage them to do things God’s way. How can they know God’s way unless we tell them? Stephen's address to the religious leaders in Acts 7:51-52: "You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you, just as your ancestors were. Your ancestors tried to hurt every prophet that ever lived!"  Sometimes people can be duped even when they think they know the scriptures, as did Saul (before he became Paul, Acts 8:1). The difference? We must not just read the Bible but listen for the Holy Spirit to explain unpack it in our hearts where we can store it as Truth. This takes time that most of us don’t give God!  Ask the Spirit of God to direct You with the mind of Christ, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Jesus. Trying to get to the Truth any other way blocks revival.

(6-25-2023) When Jim and I started dating, he arrived at the conclusion  that I was the one for him, but it was my mother, not me, who was convinced that he was the one for me.  I'll never forget, Jim sent me roses over Christmas break because he had to work in Kentucky while I went home to Girard, Pennsylvania for a month. Back then, we didn't have cell phones, so Jim wrote to me every day, and some days, I got two letters from him! I don’t write letters, so I wasn't sure how I felt about all this. Finally, after watching me waver, my mother looked me straight in the eye and said, "Debbie, you are in love with him!"  "Wishful thinking on her part," I thought, because my parents were friends with Jim’s parents, but I needed more convincing, and had some doubts, right up until the "I do's."  Soon to be forty-nine years now, I KNOW that God made this marriage in heaven and planned it for us. Sometimes, Like King David, we all need to be convinced of God's plans and will for us and that's ok.  God will do the convincing, because He loves us (1 Chron. 14:2) and has a wonderful plan (Prov. 19:21) for our lives.

(6-24-2023) With narcissistic behavior on the rise, we need more loving subordinates in the church today… godly followers, who support godly leaders to make up the Body of Christ. We see leadership and follower personalities in children as they grow. At music camp, I watched a nine-year old girl exhibit leadership by rushing to help another child find the right place in her script, and as a good leader, she stayed close by to nurture the other child, pointing to her lines until the child caught on. These leadership qualities need to be encouraged and developed in our children when we spot them, but what about follower qualities? The supporting actors and actresses on life's stage never seem to get the same amount of attention as do the leading roles. Deep down inside, we know we cannot all be leaders all the time, but we can lead in our area of expertise. There must be an understanding of mutual need between leaders and followers, while the Lord takes care of fair compensation for each person. The Lord’s earthly leaders need Spirit-led followers to complete the work of His Kingdom. Ask God to fill leaders, and followers with His Spirit so that we can all work together to grow His Kingdom.

(6-23-2023) Throughout the years of ministry, we can pinpoint the saints in the church who do most of the praying, the men and women who do most of the upkeep, most of the teaching, serving, etc. Many of them take on several roles. They are at church EVERY Sunday because they are in leadership positions, right?  Not necessarily!  Sometimes people are given leadership positions in hopes of making them more responsible and dependable at church, but that does not always play out! It does not matter if the person is new, old, young, whatever, many do not see church or kingdom work as their responsibility… it is the work of church staff and ministers. The Lord is the only one who knows why this exists.  Did He make everyone this way? Is this part of His perfect will or His permissive will? I choose the latter.  Pray to be more responsible and dependable in the work of God’s kingdom on earth today… especially in the summer.

(6-22-2023) I think the hardest thing to change is our eating habits.  At our house, we like bread with our meals and something sweet when we've finished it.  My diet is killing my diet! We could ALL change our diets... so why don't we? Exercise is great, but what we stuff in our mouths is the real issue!  It's the same with our hearts.  Our habits, our routines, our "heart-diets" of stubbornness, selfishness and indifference could change, according to Acts 5:31, so why don’t we? Change is the key.  If whatever we're doing, day to day, isn't working for us, change it!  Could spiritual growth happen in us when we're too busy to study the Bible and pray?  Not likely.  Could we change our bedtime routines to get up in the mornings, or pray in the evenings?  Sure, IF we willfully change it!  The key word is willfully. We have free will. Change is a conscious act of the will.  All have sinned, so God provides redemption that ALL people could have IF, ALL willfully heed the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and willfully, seek God's will

(6-21-2023) Intentional, or unintentional, insults happen. Things are said that get back to us, or, sometimes, they're said directly to us, and what happens? That's our choice. We accept or we don't accept them. We brood over them, or we ignore them. The latter is easier said than done! Do not accept symptoms of any kind that would mar the well-being of our
spiritual growth. Let negativity bead up and roll off, by the power of the Holy Spirit, covering us. Praise Him!

(6-20-2023) Joshua 1:8 says that we should meditate on scripture day and night…meditation on the scripture means memorizing it, but also praying it. When reading God's Word, stop and meditate on it, unpack it, and pray it. Memorizing it helps us to recall it for times when we need to pray in public without an open Bible. The Lord hears and answers our prayers, just as in 1 Chron. 4:10B that states, “He did what Jabez had asked.” Pray these scriptures today!  The Prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 is one of two great prayers in today's reading. “Lord, bless me indeed and increase my territory.” The second great prayer is a corporate one found in Acts 4:24-30. The believers pray and ask God for power to speak the word without fear, and for power to heal. God answers their prayers too, and He will answer ours! Praise Him!

(6-19-2023) "The devil is in the details." I am a big picture person, so I lose interest when reading lists of names and associations in Chronicles. A few sentences cover a thousand years!  It is easy to skim these chapters and forget, that God walked with them through every detail of life. He bottled every tear and heard every prayer. Those with several wives, living longer, racked up so many details that we cannot even begin to comprehend them, but God in His omnipotence, remembers every circumstance of joy or sorrow in each life. He can rattle off the number of hairs on each head like a savant, as the Creator of the savant. He is full of wonder for sure, so we can say with the Psalmist, “God, how wonderful You are” (Ps. 76:4)!

(6-18-2023)   When reading and meditating on Acts 3:26, the Lord reminds me that Jesus came to bless us by turning us away from evil.  There is no more important "product" of the church than the most important blessing of Christ, which is, turning people away from evil!  Right? It is too bad that we disagree on what evil is! The world says, "This is no longer evil," but the Scriptures say, "Thou shalt not..."  The world says, "Evolve with the culture, and interpret Scriptures according to our changing world… God says, “I’m the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.” We will never know or recognize our first blessing if we don't know the scriptures and allow the Spirit to search our hearts and convict us to turn away from evil. We must be able to acknowledge what evil is, especially if it's been there so long, you’ve become used to it.  It’s a daily cleansing, because all of us tend to go toward evil, instead of away from it.

(6-17-2023) There are many parallels between the human brain and a computer. The brain gathers and stores what's put into it through the senses. It stores things in files, conscious or subconscious. Subconscious memories often develop into defense mechanisms which kick in immediately to transfer blame away from us and onto other things, other people, and even onto God. My son, Chuck, can get into my computer from Vegas, troubleshoot and then clean out the trash that clogs its performance. For believers, the Holy Spirit acts as the technician that goes into the heart and mind, discovers, and then removes anything that resembles deceit, bitterness, unrighteousness, lies, etc., clogging one’s witness.  He is the only One who can save us from the evil influences of the culture that seeps into our own minds. It is natural to automatically divert blame onto others, and sometimes, on God, so it takes the power of the Holy Spirit in us to “stop that!” Ask the Holy Spirit to search the files of your mind today, and remove those tendencies to constantly defend ourselves, and blame others (Prov. 10:3). A grateful heart of praise never blames… nor will it be blamed!

(6-16-2023) Every time I work with children, I am amazed at how their minds are like sponges. We just had our third annual summer music camp at Wesley, and the kiddos were amazing. They learned the songs and drama in one week. Those who attended wanted to be there and they worked hard. Children are the witnesses that all things are possible, even for us to put our differences aside and play nice together. No matter the color, the age level, the mental, physical or emotional handicaps, they worked well together! The second book of Acts gives us the story of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Luke, the writer, isn’t generalizing by saying that ALL the believers were filled with the Spirit!  This gives us hope.  In the last days, the Lord will pour out His Spirit on all kinds of people (Acts 2:12).  The Holy Spirit can do the impossible... even make us ALL play nicely together! Pray for an out-pouring of God’s Holy Spirit today.  We desperately need it!

(6-1-2023) In an effort not to offend anyone, we risk losing our salvation, and possibly their salvation as well. The first commandment, "...have no other gods before Me. Unless our children go to Christian schools, our culture will insist they conform to gods of immorality and licentiousness. Violent hate speech pollutes our televisions, and we are being desensitized concerning God’s plan for the family.  Solomon lost his kingdom because he worshipped the gods of his many foreign wives. He gave in.  Why do we think we are any stronger than the wisest man who ever lived? We open our liberal arms to religious traditions, “Come, build temples, and are happy for you to stop everything and bow toward Mecca to pray in public… live and let live!” We drink the Kool-Aid combining all religions thinking we will all be led to heaven by the same God.  If this the Truth, then Scriptures are just a big lie. "Holy Spirit, come, and move over our land to give discernment to Christians!  Draw us back to You God Almighty, and save us from sin. in Jesus’ name, amen."

(5-31-2023 We have had a couple of untimely deaths in our community recently and in a small community where everyone is connected somehow, it is unsettling. In our scripture reading today, Jesus brings Lazarus back to life, but before he does this… he grieves with the family of Lazarus.  Isn't that what He does today?  In the realm of living outside of time, He grieves with us, before bringing our loved ones back into our lives for eternity. We have this hope that others outside of Christ do not have. What a beautiful reminder that Jesus shares our grief and cries real tears, even though He knows the end of the story… eternal life!

(5-30-2023)  It's summer! Many plan vacation time from stressful jobs, the rat race, the busy lives we lead and enjoy the mountains or the beaches, or maybe a cruise! Regrettably, we take our phones and laptops with us… so do we really get to rest? Our rest can be easily interrupted, backtracking into stream of stress as we peer out at our vacation views!! God promises rest. Rest can be a place, or a state of mind where we breathe in deeply and say, "Praise the Lord!  He has kept all His good promises (1 Kings 8:56)."  He wants rest for us, and He will provide it, because He is God and there is nothing too hard for Him… even giving us rest!!

(5-29-2023) There are places where it is not safe for Christians to go. Jesus visited where it did not matter if he performed a miracle, the people refused to believe and reacted to him with violence (Jn. 10:22-42). Jesus escaped and went to where John had been baptizing---a place where many believed. Like the Lord, we may find ourselves in places where the Gospel message is not well-received, but without judging, we must be a witness for Christ. One never knows who will come to find the Lord in such a place. Not every Christian is called to minister in this way, but we all know someone, friend, neighbor, family member, who needs the Lord. Perhaps it is someone who lives in the condo next door or the house across the street. Begin with prayer, and God will provide the time and place. He works with us and through us to bring people into the Kingdom who would never step foot into a house of worship.

(5-28-2023)  I am a good notetaker, because this is how I process what I'm hearing.  This is why I write every morning. It takes more time, but that's how I roll. I wish I could be like Solomon who seems to have asked for wisdom, and boom, bang, he got it!  Who knows, He might have had to write it all out too!  The scripture says, "During his life he spoke three thousand wise saying s and also wrote one thousand five songs (like his father).  In Proverbs, he says: "It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to meet a fool doing foolish things” (Prov. 10:12). There is a parallel of using animal examples in John 10:12. "When a worker sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone." It may be a stretch, but wisdom is our God given ability to discern deception and recognize that which is foolish, wolfish, bearish, or sheepish. It is necessary that we have understanding so we don't lose faith when we face criticism, slander, injustice and aggression.  How?  Ask for it! The Shephard meets our needs as one of His sheep who came through the Door, Christ, into the safety of His fold (Jn. 10:14-16).

(5-27-2023) We have all experienced the cold shoulder from someone.  A cold shoulder means a cold heart! When something happens that creates tension, it is human to want to tell others for support, but Solomon writes that “gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships” (Prov. 17:9). We do not like to think the seeking support is gossip, but then… what is it? Collaboration against that person, building a case, separating friends, all of the above. We might have a solid case, and the person might be a real bully, but telling six other people is like stepping into a deep freeze. Sadly, one keeps layering more “evidence” to stay in there.  God peels off those layers when we forgive, which warms our hearts.  His spirit in us provides the energy and understanding necessary to forgive… or accept attempts to move forward. Without the Spirit, we are ill-equipped to adequately forgive others who have hurt us. Only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, can we muster such grace. He extended this grace to us at salvation. Learn to forgive, and let your own heart be warmed by His love and grace.  What's inside the heart, will show on your shoulders!

(5-26-2023) In every good novel, there is conflict. The resolution of it usually comes at the end to make it a good story. Evil is punished, and good saves the day. This is right out of Proverbs 17:5 - "Whoever enjoys someone's trouble will be punished." We cannot imagine getting joy out of somebody’s troubles! if we are seeking to follow God’s will and take the gospel to the world, we will pray for those in trouble, and do what we can for the poor. There is a heart problem with those who wish trouble on others. Only God can change the heart. Our job is to pray for those who need that change. How can we tell what is in someone’s heart? It will come out of their mouths. May we be a witness for our Lord with love in our hearts and courteous speech, for every single person we encounter.

(5-25-2023) Bullies often start out being bullied by others standing higher and looking down on them. They learn to intimidate by slamming, raising, or deepening their voices, until someone stronger comes along to stop them. It is okay to be the weaker one sometimes. David admits to not being strong enough… yes, even David who is touted for killing tens of thousands of Philistines.  God brings justice. He saves us from the enemy. We do not battle flesh and blood, but spiritual powers (Eph. 6:12).  I love David’s imagery of God racing on the wings of the wind to save us (2 Sam. 22:11). David’s song of praise goes on and on, testifying to all the times he was attacked (22:44). A person’s conflicts are greater, the greater they become because standing out makes one a bigger and better target. Do not fret. There will be overwhelming times, people, and situations, but God steps in to be our strength, our justifier, and our Savior. Praise Him!

(5-24-2023) Never underestimate the power of encouragement. It takes nine positives for people to move past one negative. Today's scripture shows the character of God as King David mopes and cries over Absolom’s death.  Though Absalom would have killed his father, King David still grieves for his child. Joab tells him to “buck up!” because Absolom was killed to save David’s life, and the lives of his household. This is hard to do! Those feelings of grief, if stifled, turn deadly poisonous within. Only God’s spirit can help leaders go through tough situations, putting the souls of others above their own needs. I like the analogy of family/personal needs vs. ministry needs being put on either side of a teeter totter, with God in the middle. He is the one who helps with the balance, the ups and downs.[1] He offers hope that increases positive energy and gets us up and going in the midst of a negative. Praise Him!

[1]James D. Berkley, Leadership Handbook of Management and Administration, Responsibility to  Family Members, Marshall Shelley. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2007), Chapter 2,

 (5-23-2023) There is a time to lament. David’s writings tell it like it is. He doesn’t hold back, and neither should we (2 Sam 18:33).  David’s physical strength as a fighter is in complete contrast to his soft heart. He does not care about his own safety and would have rather died than lose his son. He does not care about people seeing him cry! David has a heart after God’s own heart. God, through Christ, would rather die than lose his own children, so He did! Jesus understands our grief, and says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt. 5:4).  Pray for those who mourn today, that they will feel God’s amazing, empathetic arms underneath them. There is a time to lament, and it takes time. Our hope and trust must turn toward the Lord’s affection and understanding about loss, with trust and hope that He will never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6), especially in our times of grief.

(5-22-2023) Christians should know better. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I tell it the evil things it does” (John 7:7). This is a reminder that when His Spirit lives within us, we will come up against His enemies… because they should know He is in us. The Lord gives us Himself, His power, His wisdom, His holiness, His grace, His love, and His protection. What do we give?  We give our all.  All that we have belongs to Him, and all that He has belongs to us!  Victory is part of the deal. Testing purifies our hearts like silver (Ps. 66:10). These promises empower us to handle whatever the enemy does to come against Christ in us (Jn. 7:7). Hallelujah!  We can walk in victory today as we share the Truth of the Gospel with others in love. We should expect some push back, but trust that: “He protects our lives and does not let us be defeated” (Ps. 66:9).

(5-21-2023) Ponder this. Rewards do not last very long. The marathon runner trains for months, even years, but the award ceremony lasts for fifteen minutes. It is like water that doesn’t stay on the grass for very long when it rains. Sometimes it puddles, but sooner or later, it will make its way down into the ground and disappear below the surface.  We're reminded today in 2 Samuel 14:14 that life is like water spilled out on the ground.  It cannot be gathered back up! Ponder this today, but also, think about eternity and then set your priorities.  Let the Spirit of God work on the scars of life like soothing vanishing cream and go forth as a golden vessel for His purpose... with what little time is left!  Our reward is much longer than the time we put into working for it!

(5-20-23) Oh my! The web we weave with deception and manipulation. The story of David and Bathsheba intrigues us because it is a common one… adultery, that turns into a real soap opera---murder! We can break it down and isolate many contributing temptation factors, i.e., David taking vacation time, letting down his guard while his men are away (while Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband is away), Bathsheba parading around naked, the culture of the day for men to “take” many wives… these things add up and David just gives in. In doing so, the servants know it and no doubt, the story gets out. This is one of the biggest problems of sin. God’s enemies see it and lose respect for Him! When the very people we are trying to win over to the Lord see hypocrisy in our lives, it is a mockery to God. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (NIV). Today’s temptations are the perversions that our culture wants to celebrate. People are tempted to sin secretly by cell phones and computers. It seems to be more than some can bear… but God promises an escape if we will look for it. Check your honesty meter. Stop manipulating situations or stretching the truth… these are secret sins just as much as stealing someone’s spouse. Sin is sin… do not be deceived!

(6-19-23) What the world needs now is kindness. Due to COVID’s years of quarantine, our culture is suffering. There is more depression and hostility in our children that comes from being isolated. Teens are often still left alone while parents work, and their unguarded computers and cell phones lead them to dark places. What is missing? Relationships with kind parents and teachers. People who are examples of pleasant responses, and actively show how to be successful. People who give ten positives to one negative. People who seek to understand a situation and respond with self-control. David examples kindness by serving a former enemy’s grandson at his table for life. Jesus examples kindness by feeding the multitudes and giving them all that they could eat!  God's kindness is exampled through Jesus getting the disciples safely through the storm and accelerating where they wanted to go ashore. Today, kindness is becoming more like a miracle when we see it, even in the church. Pray for kindness to abound in the hearts and lives of God’s children today.

 

(5-18-2023) Everyone needs to be fed, spiritually. As believers, we are fed by God’s Word. Those who spend time in scripture, are nourished by learning God’s character, His mind, and His thoughts that fill up the hungry soul. His still small voice within helps direct us while in prayer, but He also speaks to us throughout the day, because we are spiritually, consistently connected. This creates love for Him and confidence within that is unafraid and that love conquers fear of any judgment… because we know the judge so well, and we want to please Him. He knows we want to please Him. He sees our hearts when others misread our motives… God knows, so feed on Him, and don’t be afraid.

(5-17-23) We’ve heard, “Go with your gut” when we find ourselves in a situation of unknowns. Certainly, God has given us instinctive defense mechanisms to keep us safe. Quite often, these instincts are interpreted as “gut feelings.” Contentment is also interpreted as a feeling. Our culture has convinced us that we cannot control how we feel, and we should always be true to ourselves… true to our feelings. There is great debate today over choosing how we feel, i.e., “I feel like a man in a woman’s body,” or visa versa. The Psalmist wrote Ps. 63 while in the desert of Judah… a dry and empty land with no water. He reflects on his situation and compares it to thirsting after God, whom he has “seen in the Temple” (Ps. 63:2). No doubt, he is physically hungry, but also, spiritually hungry. Instead of complaining, he chooses this: “I will be content as if I had eaten the best foods. My lips will sing, and my mouth will praise You” (63:5). Those words need to be our words today, no matter our situation. Choose contentment, singing and praising God, because this is the person God will choose to inhabit.

(5-16-23) There seems to be more hostility in the world today than ever before. Disrespect, meanness, and narcissism reign. There have always been people in life that we cannot change or control, i.e., what they believe, do and say or how they react. Our responses show our faith and reveal a testimony… or not. When needing hope and rest, no doubt from an enemy, the Psalmist encouraged himself in the Lord by remembering God’s strength compared to His. “The least of People are only a breath, and even the greatest are just a lie. On the scales, they weigh nothing; together they are only a breath” (Ps. 62:7). Most of our problems come from disagreements with people, but we are only responsible for our actions and reactions. Yes, there are ways to disarm, i.e., changing the subject, or using humor, but getting angry is a luxury we cannot afford as Christians. When dealing with hostility, breathe a prayer and call on the One who is stronger. “People, trust God all the time” (Ps. 62:8). All the time “He is our rock and our salvation. He is our defender. We will never be defeated” (Ps. 62:6). Praise Him!

(5-15-2023)  We would all be lying if we said we've never had any doubt that God is real, and Jesus is real. There are two trees outside in our yard, one on each corner.  I put 300 little white lights on each tree at Christmas time, and then, I decided to leave them to throughout the year.  I love turning them on at night. I noticed, in the morning, when the sun comes out, the lights that stick out in the sun, don't look like they're on! The ones in the shadow of the tree, twinkle and shine because of the darkness behind them. It made me think that in times of darkness and trouble, the Lord reveals Himself best to us, and we even twinkle better at those times and we don't know it! There will be some doubt.  But when there is doubt, Jesus WILL reveal Himself. We will hear His voice in our hearts say, "I am He!  I am God!  I've got this!  Be strong in the Lord.  Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe!"

(5-14-2023) As I read this morning's scriptures, my heart is touched by David's response to some of his men he refers to as “wicked troublemakers!”  Strong adjectives!  These men don't want to share the recovered things to the men who stayed behind in battle, too weak, for whatever reason, to fight.  God only knows their weaknesses, physical, or most likely, depression because their families are taken!  We serve a kind and gracious God, as exampled in David's response to give equal shares to everyone!  God knows his children's hearts, minds, and especially our weaknesses.  Our reward of forgiveness and salvation will be the same!  Those who think if they achieve more in life, they should achieve more in eternity... well, they may be a bit surprised!  It is like the worker receiving the same pay for one hour of work as the worker who labored for eight hours!  God's ways are not our ways, and thank God, His ways are kinder than our ways!  Like a Dad, He loves us all the same.  How appropriate a message on Mother's Day, because it's the same way for Moms... loving each child the same. Happy Mother's Day!

(5-13-2023)  I just watched the sun rise---glory to God! My granddaughter is getting married to a wonderful young man---glory to God! We just finished up a wonderful a wonderful concert season for two of the concert series in which I am involved---glory to God! I am about to start my last eight weeks of classwork for my  PhD---glory to God! There are so many things upon which we can agree that are done by God in this world, ordained by God, and kept alive by God, but sometimes we miss the daily miracles that sustain us. We help out a co-worker who hasn't been helpful and give glory to God.  We forgive someone who does not reciprocate grace and respect---glory to God! In ourselves, we cannot do these things, but when we understand His purpose for our lives includes our salvation, we know it is meant to be shared so others can be saved. All the things we do and say are to witness for Him, and to give Him the glory.

(5-12-2023)  The Golden Rule is restated in David's statement to King Saul in 1 Samuel 26:24:  "As I respected your life today, may the Lord also respect my life and save me from all my troubles."  As we respect others, we can pray with confidence for God to help us out of all our troubles!  We cannot expect God to be kind to us when we are unkind. Disrespect for any authority is on the rise. There is little knowledge of the scriptures, and little understand of God's character which includes a hefty dose of respect and submission to one another. No wonder we have such conflict between political parties.  No wonder we cannot grow our families and keep our marriages intact!! We simply do not respect each other.  Bottom line... the Golden Rule! The best way to achieve it is to fill up with the Spirit of Christ, and show kind, gentle respect to everyone, especially those in authority over us. Pray for genuine kindness.

(5-11-2023) We trust a chair to hold us, and trust employers to pay us.  All these things are imperfect, and COULD break or fail in some way, but we have standards and contracts that guarantee our trust. What guarantees do we have that when the Lord says, "Depend on Me and all your plans will be successful," that we can trust Him. We don’t have anything but experience, scripture, and the testimonies of others. When others are healed, it increases our faith for healing. When we are saved, it increases our faith to help others find Christ.  HE is perfect, and His Word can be trusted 100%!  This doesn't mean that the enemy of our souls isn't going to throw something in our way to make us doubt. Our faith, staying in faith, means we just God for today's events. Commit them into His hands, and be cheerful, joyful, knowing, that HE has all the power and the perfection we need to do whatever we need to do for His glory.  When we are dominated by the fruit of His Spirit, the things we do will reveal that testimony to others and build their faith.  Our value is above rubies and other precious stones to Him.  He WILL direct our path and we can trust His Word on it!  Praise Him!

(5-10-2023)  Sometimes, the full moon made it seem like daytime. It shines through my sheers (Yes, I still have and love draperies and sheers)!! Living on the coast, we get to see the reflection of the full moon on the water, and it is breathtakingly beautiful, reminding me that darkness will never overcome the Light. John chapter 1 goes into detail about Jesus being the Word that created all things, and the Light that overcomes the darkness in our world.  Because He became flesh, we can better grasp a vision of who God is, but what was Jesus before that? He has always been and always will be. When we get a glimpse of Who Jesus is by reading about Him in the Gospels, the Epistles, and even in the prophetic Old Testament. Be encouraged and bolstered in the Lord today!  His power will always outweigh the evil in this world. There is no scale or balance that will ever make it equal!! He will always overpower the darkest night in our lives. Turn to Him and receive that light and redemption power through prayer. It is available to us, His children, 24/7, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, as we present our requests to Him (Phil. 4:6).

(5-9-2023) We all know a few folks who bend the rules and lie a little bit and some who downright break the rules! But few people understand that rules are like a fence around a cliff, to protect us and others. Solomon draws a line in the sand on this subject.  He states that those who refuse correction hate themselves (Prov. 15:32).  Quite the bold one, he is!  After reading 1 Samuel 20, we see an example of self-love between two (hetero) men, who have a bond that is like the closest brothers.  Loving God first, results in loving others, because the love of God pours into us... if we are obedient to His rules… rules that are meant to protect us.  Break them, and there are consequences, natural consequences. Holding on to hate for others, is burning hate for oneself. Let go, and quench that fire. There would be less depression in the world, and fewer psychologists, if we could all learn to love ourselves as God loves us.

(5-8-2023) We will have music camp in just three weeks. The children love the stories of how God works to save people. Our job is to help them personally encounter Jesus’ saving power for themselves. Sometimes, I think they see God as a sort of Genie who limits our “wishes” and good things in life, and then, that's it!  But the God we serve has power to force His Spirit on people, as He did on King Saul and his men who were chasing David.  It wasn't God's will for them to kill David, His servant, so He poured His Spirit on them and they all prophesied.  If that were to happen today, we'd call it revival!  In Luke 24, the two on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize Jesus until He opened their eyes and allowed them to see Him. Our God is unlimited in power, and He can and will give us more of His Spirit if we ask for it; our asking is not limited!! He can change our dashed hopes in the twinkle of an eye! Ask! And remember to praise Him!

(5-7-2023)  All of us carry burdens.  All of us have various unfulfilled needs and burdens. Our Lord, on His way to Golgotha, spoke to those along the path who were crying for Him. "Don't cry for me!  Cry for yourselves and your children (Luke 23:28)!" Then He gives them a little insight into their future. Jerusalem will be invaded in the near, and life is not going to be good for any of them! Jesus is more concerned for their future than for His own. But then, that is Jesus! That's the whole reason He came. He is more concerned about the thief beside Him than Himself when He promises him eternal life in a “deathbed conversion” matter of fact. Jesus didn't complain to him, saying, "Man, here I am dying for your sins, and all you can think about is yourself!" Nope! All Jesus can think about is whether or not he will use the free will He gave him wisely, and choose to seek forgiveness. The words, “Remember me,” were not, “Forgive me.” Jesus knew his heart and that is what matters most to Him, more than His own pain ... our pain!  Where will you spend eternity? Choose today whom you will serve and where you will be 100 years from now… hell or paradise.

(5-6-23) Trends come and go.  We can watch the culture change within a decade!  It gives us a better perspective as we grow older about what is truly important in life! The important things never change.  When Saul became King, it changed him from a humble man into an impatient King. This product of pride grows in such subtle ways, one gets used to it. God's Spirit in His children is against pride, arrogance and impatience. The most important battle is not with flesh and blood, but with pride fought within.  Pride must be overcome first within to have and maintain a servant's heart like the Lord Jesus Christ.  Max Lucado reminds us that Jesus didn't mind being a carpenter or mistaken for a gardener! We should seek to serve as He does and as He will serve us at His own Marriage Feast of the Lamb! Praise Him! We desire to submit to one another in love and to serve by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Pray for more of His Spirit today, to detect and destroy any pride growing too familiar and undetected within us. It can easily disguise itself as leadership and self-confidence, but it is not holy servitude… it is just ugly pride.

(5-5-23) Each month, we reconcile our credit cards and bank statements. Some check records every day! We must be able to give an account with some form of documentation for all the things for which we are responsible! How much more does our loving Father God keep track of all of us, for whom He is responsible? That's right, we are HIS responsibility.  HE created us, and gave us a free-will to love, honor and serve Him in this life.  In exchange, we submit to His Lordship, and He guides us, lighting the way.  We meditate on His promises, pray, and seek His will, and in return, His Spirit lives within us. What can man do to us?  Nothing!  God is on our side, and He keeps records, documentation of everything that needs fixed, or that we need in the future for success. In those records, He erases our confessed sins. We should live each moment with grateful hearts and gracious acts, because we are forgiven!

(5-4-23) Reading through the Psalms, we see some prayers that we would not pray!  Prayers that ask God to bring death upon our enemies! Isn't it good to know that when the enemy of our soul wants to sift us like wheat, the Lord Jesus himself prays for our strength to resist the enemy’s temptations. He has His father's ear for sure, and we know that His prayers are right.  When we have His Spirit in us, His prayers through us will be right also.

(5-3-23) Human nature struggles, even battles sometimes with God's nature. Why? Because when God first left Adam and Eve alone to figure out free will, they lost their focus and failed the test. When God is “out of sight, out of mind,” something else, anything else, can distract us so easily from Him. Enter, the snake. A snake always gets our attention, poisonous or not!  Seventy-five percent of what we learn comes through our eyes, which grabs our focus. Adam and Eve are on their own for the first time. They know God is going to show up, but for a moment, He is out of sight, and out of mind. They are easily distracted, and we know the rest of the story.  We have been distracted by cultural norms today that tell us to change the gospel to fit our changing world. Have you asked God what HE thinks about certain theologies? Can you participate and be, patiently waiting on Him? Wait for an answer, search for it, fast, pray, watch, and listen? If you do these things, you will hear a voice saying, "This is the way, walk in it!"  Hard hearts come about by some kind of suffering and loss, but happy hearts have a continual feast (Prov. 15:15)!  Choose the latter today.

(5-2-23) We become nose blind (as the commercial says) to smells in the house, i.e., smelly diaper pails, or stinky cat litter. We can get used to it, but it hits others, literally, between the eyes when they happen in. We have some life situations that are acquired and hang in the air, unnoticed by us, but others notice. The Lord gives us the “Febreze” to apply when our situation stinks! It is not to run away, or as the Psalmist puts it, “I wish I had wings like a dove to fly away… to escape (Ps. 55:6-8).” Knowledge of scripture verses, i.e., submitting to one another in love help us to not get so angry, or take things personally. Discuss the stink, spray some love and forgiveness around and move on with whatever the work. A pleasant smell to some, might be unpleasant to others, depending on a lot of things, but mainly, their level of spiritual maturity which exudes more patience and tolerance due to trusting that God is in control, not us. We must share that Jesus is coming… be prepared! People will listen better, if we clean up the “smelly” habits to which we have become “nose-blind.”

(5-1-23)  The Lord reminds us in Luke 10:19 that He has given us power... "that is greater than the enemy has." *  We don't ever struggle against flesh and blood!  Max Lucado reminds us in today's devotional Jesus did no fight Judas, but rather, it was a battle between God and Satan.  Be reminded that Satan enters our gardens of prayer too, and plants seeds of doubt in our minds of God's goodness. But God, the author and finisher of our faith, will provide what we need. We might be surprised, even as Jesus was, at the feelings of temporary abandonment... "Why have You forsaken me?" But we know that Satan flees when we proclaim the Name of Jesus or sing, "How Great Thou Art!"  "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"  Trust Him to provide protection and power over evil in this world. Saying His name is just enough.

(4-30-23) Leaders, beware!  Samuel's son's disrespected the gifts and offerings to the Lord in 1 Samuel chapter 2, and the Lord speaks out about the real motives of the teachers of the law in Luke chapter 20.  Spiritual leaders, beware!  Our honor and success come from God, not anything we do to muster support or boost attendance. We've got little incentives now and then, but if what we are doing takes something bigger each week to keep folk's attention, we might be leaving out the importance of prayer, Bible study, teaching and respecting the holiness of God Himself.  Think on these things! God does not want to be neglected!

(April 29, 2023) Life is to be experienced!  We can't sit and read our own story, we have to live it.  With hindsight, humility, and thanksgiving we see how God’s love has been poured out in our lives, at every stage.  In each move we've made, every decision, good or bad, we've seen how God indeed makes all things work out for our good.  When He says, "for our good" it could be that something or someone is taken away.  God knows our limits and He knows the future He's planned for us---a good one!  He knows the depth of our faith and strength of our foundation.  Most of us are surprised to see just how much weight we can carry! God has made us for such a time as this!  Whatever comes, He is with us, not surprised at all and prepared to give us what we need so we can EXPERIENCE His love ever day.  Often, His love comes through others, friends, relatives, co-workers, even total strangers!  God's love includes warnings to the world out there concerning His heirs, His Son and ALL of us as well:  "Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken, and the person on whom it falls, that person will be crushed (Luke 20:18)."  It's far better to experience the love of God in this life, then to try and live without it. 

(4-28-23) When my GPS doesn’t like the turn I make, I’ll hear: "continue on this road to the next left (or right) and turn around." I THINK I know a better way, but it keeps goading me. God knows that as we journey down the road of life, we need to follow Him. He will keep goading us until we do! Though Boas, God tells Ruth  to just continue doing what she's doing, following those with whom God has placed her. God doesn't tell us everything because surely, there are some things we need to progress into and would not otherwise be able to handle.  He puts us into families, jobs, and circles of friends, which are all part of His plan! If you are confused about your next steps, just continue to follow… follow the leadership where you are, follow the pecking order (whether or not you like that there's a pecking order---there IS) and most of all, follow after God by staying in His Word.  He will fill you with peace that passes understanding when the way isn’t clear.  He rewards us when we come for shelter under His wings (Ruth 2:12) and continue to follow His voice within, Word without and circumstances ‘round about!

(4-27-23) In the class of life, God sits us down every now and then with a repeated assignment:  "Write an essay on what matters most to you."  When our daughter was a Junior at Asbury College and had to flown from Lexington, KY, to Atlanta GA, with a perforated colon, we got this assignment.  When our parents went on to heaven, we wrote it again.  “Get out a piece of paper and pencil, because friends in Americus just lost their son in a car accident…  yes, again and again, God gives the assignment to us to remind what matters most---other people!  Perhaps if we thought more of other people as treasured, eternal souls, we wouldn't think less of ourselves, and vice versa!  Christ came into the world to FIND us, clean us up and show us how much we matter to Him (Luke 19:10).  It might take Him an entire lifetime and eternity to do it! Expect Him to help you enjoy life as someone who is doted on by a loving Father. Perhaps your earthly parents were not very affectionate. Ask God to change your perspective of Him because He is affectionate! He answers our prayers in miraculous ways to remind all of us what matters most to Him… you and me.

(4-26-23)  God is in control, but Satan doesn't believe it.  Lucifer's got that survivor mentality, kill or be killed, like all the stories and movies written about the end of the world.  You know, the ones that depict all of us beating down our brothers and sisters for the last loaf of bread... that's survivor mentality.  As Christians, we have a different vision of the future.  We share what we have, help our brothers and sisters, and pray for the lost to come to Christ. We have ministry visions and dreams of filling our churches, saving our marriages and praying for the sick to be healed. We praise God for His goodness and provision without any thought of lack. We feel disgust for someone who has been forgiven a large dept but then goes out to collect from a friend for a smaller one. Who does that? The courts dockets are full of folks doing just that. Lord, thank You that You are greater in us than he who is in the world.  We pray for those with survivor mentality today. We pray Your blessings, hope, and saving grace for them, because that is what being victorious is all about!  We praise You for the power to overcome Satan’s powers of this world, through Jesus Christ.

(4-24-23)  We see through people's eyes into their very souls. Sometimes it looks dark in there.  I remember during a bad storm my students and I heeded the alarm to huddled under tables for safety. The power went out, so two or three of the children began to cry because they were afraid of the dark. I had my cell phone with me so I called Jim, who still had power at our house, and he encouraged the children with a good report.  He had the light of Doppler radar to share---there were no tornados in our area!!  Peace!  Don't be afraid!  Sounds just like Kingdom light shining through with a good report! This power that is turned on in us shines for others to see with a good report that we can share… fear not… there is victory and peace for all our anxieties and cares. The light in our eyes often draws us to kindred spirits, but it can also repel those who do not have it. Keep close to the power source so your light stays on and shines brightly in this dark and sometimes, frightening world. The Kingdom of God on earth is in us, and should be evident in our eyes to others around, but is it?

(4-3-23) Tragedy does not define us. There will be troubles, we know that.  As much as we would like to escape all our problems, evil exists and we will be caught up in it, in some way or another.  Believers are called to do just that... believe!  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!  Saved from what?  Saved from that which is not of God---fear, guilt, shame, hurt, pain, and especially, hell.  "Call to me in times of trouble.  I WILL save you and you will honor me."  There it is in a nutshell.  Ask God for help, and HE WILL save us... so, honor Him.  THIS is our true calling.

(4-22-23)  People blame God.  "Where was God when my child was killed in an accident?" or "Why did God allow my world to be crushed?" Those who do not know Him, use wealth to gain acceptance. God gives man free-will and unfortunately for those of us trying to live godly lives, other people around us who use their free will for selfish, even evil purposes can inflict natural consequences of their close friends or family members… which can hurt us. Where is God?  He is crying with us, holding us, and helping us through rough times. He places us in small groups to share and care for one another. Praise and thank God for your circle of friends today. Be careful to choose friends wisely… pray for eternal friends. Through them, God shows us how much He loves each and every one of us. When the world turns us away, those friends will welcome us.

(4-21-23) When we live defeated, negative, unhappy lives, we do a disservice to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We know that all things work together for good for those who love and worship Him, AND we know the story, all the way to the end!  We can cry during the sad chapters of our lives, but we believe joy comes in the morning… just like the sunrise. God's miracles of nature inspire us to tap into His power and expect His presence in our lives each day.  Because He lives, we can face TODAY with strength and power to be overcomers!  Praise Him!

(4-20-23) The movie, "Breakthrough" was made several years ago, but is an incredible testament to a lost world that yes, there is a God! The story is of a drowning victim whose brain, lungs and organs showed severe damage from the lack of oxygen. His mother wouldn’t let the doctors remove life support. She cried out to God, and God answered. The boy woke up three days later, and his lungs were completely clear of bacteria. I love how God is using the movie industry! No doubt, hearts were touched, and souls saved in his community because of this miracle. Because of the faith of a mother who refused to let go of God, through odds, insurmountable, which gave the world proof that God hears and answers. She cried out for the Holy Spirit to breathe life back into her boy. The doctor’s quote on the credit went something like this: "The boy died. His mother prayed. The boy came back to life." God is able to do so MUCH MORE than anything we ask... so go ahead... ask! if you have doubts, Gideon had doubts in Judges chapter six! God gave him proof by consuming his already cooked offering with fire from a rock. For those of us needing more than Scriptural proof, “Breakthrough” is MORE THAN enough proof. Like Gideon, it’s okay to ask for proof, lay out the fleece(s) but the most important thing is to NOT LET GO of God, like this mother in the movie. Stay. Pray believing, ask, and ask again. Our Father in heaven can give us MUCH MORE than that which is humanly possible. Praise Him!

(April 19, 2019) Deborah is an amazing woman of God in the Old Testament, and I love reading the passages that tell her story. Judges 4:5, introduces her as the wife of Lappidoth, but all we know about her husband is his name. In her day and time, she is identified as a wife, not an individual. God always works beyond cultures to use men AND women to do His will, and that she did! "Get up!  Today is the day that God is working it out!"  This is the Word of the Lord through Deborah for the Israelites then, and for us today. God is ALWAYS working it out!  Even when our Lord was on the cross, lonely, and hurting, God was working out His Gospel plan. The earth quaked, the sun stopped shining, and fear gripped everyone in Jerusalem.  God didn’t take the day off… He was working. Trust Him.  He is in control and today, your path is lined with His favor.

(4-18-23) No one is going to sign up for a commitment without a lot of information.  Most times, it's not even a matter of information about the commitment, but WHO else is going to do it?  Students start very young making life-changing decisions based upon who else is doing something. In the church we have a committee called "Evangelism" to which this task of recruiting is assigned.  The Lord puts all of us on that committee! I don't think we will have ANY committees in heaven and certainly not this one!  This Sunday is the PERFECT time to invite folks to come to church… every Sunday is! Think of it as part of your committee work now that you are a Christian!  When's the last time to invited anyone to church?  Are you thinking, "That's not my job, it's the preacher's job!"  God desires all His children congregate together and it is OUR job to invite others to come, worship the Lord God our Maker.

(4-17-23) We all have strategies to remember things, i.e., sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or magnets holding up dentist appointment cards on the fridge.  Why not do the same with promises in the scriptures, or better, with the miracles God has already performed in our lives?  We forget if we don't write things down or put up a stone, as Joshua suggests, to remember.  Is there a specific place and time when God spoke to your heart with a promise or a clear direction to take?  Put up a stone, a plaque, a praise shelf, or something in your prayer corner to remind you that He is God.  He is in control.  He's got this!  Making the choice to follow Him includes choosing to remember with pneumonic devices or whatever it takes… just don’t forget!

(4-16-23)  Have you kept every single promise you've ever made, or do you know anyone who has?  The Scriptures tell us in Joshua 21:45, that God kept EVERY promise He made to the children of Israel, and they experienced a time of peace.  What hope we have!  It's another passage that reminds us of God's amazing faithfulness!  Plus, He is fair and just, so we can be sure that as we keep trusting Him and seeking Him, He will bring us safely to our promised land, whatever or wherever that is.  Praise Him!  He keeps ALL of His promises to us. 

(4-15-23) When elementary school students get ready for end of year testing, the classroom teachers are teaching test-taking strategies for each subject. In math, they look for "clue words" i.e., "more than" or "less than" to know what actions to take.  When reading through the Word of God, it helps to know some "clue words" that tell us what to do too, i.e., "likewise" or "Be like" or "so you also must."  It is elementary!!  Jesus uses parables as examples of not just what we should be doing in life, but how we should be thinking about ourselves and others.  Do we see ourselves as children of the King of Kings who WANTS to give us His throne… the kingdom? Seriously? If we held our heads higher, believing God’s promises and the inheritance He has for us, we would view our "dead" things here on earth differently (Luke 12:33). I love how Max puts it in his devotional today - "Our passions, possessions and pride---these are all DEAD things.  When we try to get life out of dead things, the result is only weariness and dissatisfaction."  Stop beating that dead horse, or whatever it is you are killing yourself to do.  Get on with life as God's finest creation, His precious little flock (Luke 12:32).  Think, talk, act and do things “just as if” you are going to inherit the kingdom of God as your very own! 

(4-14-23) Sometimes, we find ourselves in a totally different place now than where we were one or two years ago! The BEST plans we make can be changed in a moment, but this doesn't mean God has left us alone in the process!  He works in mysterious ways, remember? Our ways are not His ways.  He knows what will get us to our destination in His BIG picture and HIS plans for us. Every day becomes an adventure when we are totally committed to trusting Him. It must make the enemy so mad to see God's children praising, loving, and glorifying God no matter what their circumstances!  Isn't that the goal?  God assures us His will is better for us, not worse.  We have learned to trust the Lord's great love for us and in doing so, we've always experienced better things. Our hearts are full of praise today and we look forward to tomorrow, even when we have no clue what tomorrow will bring!

(4-13-23) Megan is used to turning all the lights out when they go to bed for the night, so when she comes to visit, she turns out the fluorescent light over the kitchen sink. I leave it on all the time, like a night light, because the room is otherwise dark, even during the daytime. When she’s here, I get up earlier than everyone and I'm always surprised when I go to the kitchen and it’s dark!  I have to remember, "Where's the switch to turn the lights back on?" Luke chapter 11 talks about being lights in a dark world.  We should be "on" with the light of the Lord shining through our eyes, all the time. We should be the bright spot in the places where we live and work. Our eyes should twinkle with joy and love, not go gray with anger or annoyance. Oh, how the world wants to cut or dim God’s power to us to keep that light in our eyes!  Heavy winds of life will take our lines of faith and twist them into knots during a storm!!  Don’t fret, God restores power outages or losses.  It's temporary when we stay in faith. Soon enough, we are back up and running, shining again because unlike us, He knows exactly where all the switches are!

(4-12-23)  God's Word never ceases to encourage me! God speaks in today's scripture to those of us entering the "winter" of life and says, "There is still more for you to do!"  I can just imagine Him saying this to Joshua with a bit of a chuckle:  "Joshua, you have grown old but there is still much land for you to take (Josh. 13:1)."  Be encouraged!  It ain't over until God decides that it's over!  We are only as old as we think and feel - so stay in faith, stay active and fully believe that no matter what our age or stage in life, God will use us for His glory if this is our desire.  Our lives at every stage and age will be time well spent, for Him. Glory to God!

(4-11-2023)  Who shows mercy anymore?  The Government?  Insurance companies?  The IRS?  Our neighbors and business partners? Can you count on your fingers and toes the number of people you know who fit the description of the good Samaritan in Luke chapter ten? People like this are few and far between. Who pays for someone else’s medical bills? Instead of helping others, people file lawsuits against each other.  Lord, have mercy on us!  We ALL need His mercy, His forgiveness and salvation, but unfortunately, we selfishly keep even God’s salvation all for ourselves. We fail to share it with those the Lord puts in our path. Be careful, be open and be willing to get involved as the one who is concerned about the welfare of others. Catch phrases like, "Do not get personally involved," shouldn't be in a Christian’s vocabulary!

(4-10-23) What’s the most important thing about Christianity? God loves you!  Because He loves you, He would do anything for you---just like we will do anything for the people whom we love!  Jesus, who is One with the Father, loves us enough to die, and the Spirit of God, also One with the Father, loves us enough to live WITH us.  Because God loves us, Jesus intercedes for us and the Spirit of God gives us all of God's power as joint heirs with Christ!  That power flows through us to work for Him in the Kingdom of God.  Not some of God's power, but all of it---power that created the sun and moon… then made them stand still for an entire day (Joshua 10).  Praise Him!

(4-9-24)  Most accidents occur when backing up---I know can say "Amen" to that!  Now that I have a back-up camera in my car, I can stay within the yellow lines and avoid the red lines. This back up technology is great for the car, but not for our heads! When we look at the past without the proper green, yellow and red lines to guide us away from hurtful memories, we crash back into pessimism. *  It makes good sense to keep our eyes looking forward at all times. A quick glance can cause an accident in judgment and make matters worse. Hope looks ahead. Hurt looks back. Which is better for our health and happiness?  Choose to look forward with hope, and keep moving toward the vision God has put in your heart.  He will not disappoint!  Praise Him!

(4-8-23)  Every Christian knows these Words of Jesus our Lord in Luke chapter nine very well... "If people want to follow Me, they must give up the things they want daily."  Later in Luke, there is another familiar verse:  "It is worthless to have the whole world if they themselves are lost (9:25)."  We must take time to reevaluate what we want right now and what we have put on our bucket lists for the future!  Our wants and desires are not always best for us in the long run.  God brings us all to a place in our lives to adjust our will to His. We are on holy ground when this happens. Still, it seems we wander away from that holy encounter because we question: Ps. 42:5: “Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset?”  Like the Psalmist, we need to turn this question toward the answers from the burning bush, the holy ground of scripture and boldly state: “I should put my hope in God and keep praising him, my Savior, and my God (Ps. 42:5). Our heart's desire is to get place where we encounter God, and stop questioning His presence in our lives.

(4-7-2023)  When Jim retired from Brunswick First UMC, we moved from Oak Grove Island to a farm house. We carried our stuff a little at a time, 1.5 miles to the front gate, made a sharp left turn, and then another 1.5 miles to the farmhouse.  Oh, if we only had a bridge over the 500 yards of marsh!  The parsonage for BFUMC was straight across the marsh from this farmhouse and during high tide, we could have put our stuff on a barge to float it over! We literally had a river to cross, but God didn't have to part those waters because of the roads available to us. What a great parallel to the rivers we have to cross in life. Sometimes we can find the roads and bridges already in place to get us across a narrow marsh, but what about the big rivers and seas?  God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He made the rivers, seas, marshes, and oceans.  He certainly has the power to heap the water up for us as He did for Moses and Joshua... but do we trust Him to do that?  We should.  He loves us just as much, but we must have the relationship with Him and the faith like Moses and Joshua.  It's a challenge for sure! There will always be rivers to cross in our lives but praise God!, He made the rivers, and He will make a way for us to either swim them, navigate them on boats, or cross them on dry ground.

(4-6-23) I get so busy that sometimes I wish God would just hand me a detailed list, with bullets, in order of priority, because that’s the hard part for me… prioritizing! I think, "Lord, if we just had the details like You gave to Joshua, i.e., 'Get all your supplies together; you will cross the Jordan River in three days (Josh 1:10-11).'" I like to organize for my church choir a couple of months at a time so why can't I plan my future in the same way? Details, Please, Lord! Things can change in our lives so quickly. In a moment, we can lose a loved one, a home, or a business, and, boom, we're faced with many decisions, questioning God about the details and the next steps to take. Without much notice, life's twists and turns can point us in completely different directions! The good news is that we are never alone!* God has promised to be with us and He has two hands, one in which to hold our hand and the other to point the way.  He has the details and gives them to us on a “needs-to-know” basis, daily. He pulls up the map, and unlike our GPS, HIS Spirit take us the best way. He won’t fail or forsake us like technology… or people.  Trust Him and praise Him today for His presence, His guidance, and His timing. He's got our lives planned with good things, right down to our very last, very detailed breath.

(4-5-23) Sometimes we get the cart before the horse for lack of knowledge. The promises in Deuteronomy come after obedience. We want the promised fruit, without necessarily having to do things God’s way. God’s timing is important. We might have to wait for His placement in the right soil before we can produce an abundance of fruit. Quite frankly, some ground seems cursed, and continuously produces nothing but weeds and rocks.  There are some hearts that cannot find the good common ground in which to grow with others.  God says there is no one else like us---His children. We are the blessed so that we can be a blessing! We grow in good soil so that we can help others grow. The reason nobody else is like us is because we are interested in the progress and success of others, not just our own. The world is only for themselves, but we are unique, like our God who is like nobody else because..."there is no one like the God of Israel" (Deut. 33:26).  "Israel (fill in your name) you are blessed!  No one else is like you (Deut. 33:29)!"  For heaven's sake, start acting like “no one else” because you are the blessed people of the Lord!

(4-4-23)  Life is a series of perspective choices... what's more important? We are faced with this question all the time.  Should we save or should we spend. Many lose track and of spending and end up with a mountain of debt. When it comes to the debt of sin in our lives, we treat it much the same way… it builds up before we know it. Somehow, we've conceived this notion that if we can stay away from the BIGGER debts of sin, like murder and adultery, that the LITTLE ones, i.e., "little white lies" and other such gray areas of deceit, aren't so bad. Whether BIG or LITTLE, sin's interest is hell to pay, and the Lord cannot be pleased with any of it! Jesus knows how to make a good parable, and this one hits home. How much do you love Him?  In terms of sin, big or little, that debt is canceled when we confess it to the Lord.  The amount of grateful relief and love we feel for Christ is determined by the depth of our cancelled sin by Him! Check your love and gratitude meter today because it could be skewed by loving other gods...all the things we THINK are need but can't take with us!  It's better to be free from debt, burdens lifted, living in grateful relief than bound by sin's chains.  Praise God for peace and forgiveness today, and go ahead - cry tears of love, joy and gratitude!

(4-3-23) "Pass it On," is an old campfire song that we used to sing in our youth groups during the seventies.  "It only takes a spark to get a fire going, but soon all those around are warmed up in its glowing. That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, you want to sing, 'It's fresh like Spring! You want to pass it on."  Unpack that and find some good theology. The spark is in the heart stoked by the Spirit when we accept Christ, and soon, everyone around us will (or should be) warmed by our witness. Once we experience the love of Christ through complete forgiveness, we see the world as fresh, new, and full of opportunities and positive things. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the fire burning and to pass it on to others like a torch, but sometime, we can't seem to muster the flame of a candle!  If the fire isn't fueled daily, it's going to go out.  Christians!  Look forward to a bright future as you continue to go to God's Word for stoking and fuel each day. Proverbs 13:9 reminds us that the future of the wicked is like a flame going out.  Stir up salvation’s coals within.  Invite the Spirit to burn even more, to burn away ugly scars and to produce light and warmth for others all around.  Stay lit like a torch because the wind will easily blow out a little candle!

(4-2-23) Here's something to ponder: we have to be so careful to give authors credit when we quote them, yet we continue to deliberately leave Jesus' name off the Golden Rule, so that we can quote Him in America!!  The popularity of this verse is most likely due to the fact that it sums up the Words of Christ preceding it in the chapter.  Words like:  "love your enemies.  Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are cruel to you (Luke 6:27-28).  Then Jesus gets into all the turning the other cheek, give them your cloak too... (Luke leaves out walking the extra mile here) and all these things that are easier read and said than done!  How do we DO this when others hurt, insult, steal, etc.?  We allow the Spirit of God to take over in us as the "hound of heaven" who is more interested in saving them.  Is what they've done really worth the thought of their souls lost forever?  Heaven forbid!  If we think like that, then we are not Whose we say we are!!  We are to find ways to witness the love of God, and for sure this is done ONLY by doing His Words, not just reading and hearing them. 

(4-1-23)  Teachers with children can file a "hardship" form to make their lives more manageable if their child is zoned for a school across town.  This way, the child can ride to school with them each day and they won't have to endure conflicting school activity schedules. I enjoyed carrying Charlie with me to the elementary schools in which I taught, and then I taught both him and Megan in High School. There were great benefits! Their teachers were my friends and colleagues. They had "connections" because I had great relationships with their principals.  I could walk into their classes and relay a quick message, or a swat on the head if they didn't turn in their homework. It was just so nice to see them during the day! I remember having to negotiate a lighter sentence for Megan to get out of Saturday school for skipping...  oh, yes she did. It would be nice if we had "hardship" forms for every other hardship in life AND connections. Sometimes we get jealous of those with “connections.” One thing we can expect as followers of Christ is that we will have hardships just like everyone else, and sometimes, greater than everyone else. The difference is that our Father in heaven keeps us close with Him ALL the time, and we have “connections” to His power, His creativity, His might, and especially, the joy of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, all throughout the day. What goes around comes around. When we work to help and bless others, we will be helped and blessed. If we rip others off---look out! Our Father is in the house so to speak, so EVERYTHING is known and must be filtered through Him.  Our Abba God is in control of His children's lives. He is our assurance, our negotiator, our guide, our driver, our all in all. We’ve a reward for trusting Him.

(3-31-23) As Christians, we need to be armed! I’m all for it… carry license, the whole deal, but more importantly, we need to be armed with faith that God is protecting and redirecting anything formed against us. Ultimately, it is against Him. For our own protection, protection from eternal hell, we’ve been forgiven. This forgiveness arms us with a shield of faith. Faith includes preparing our weapons of spiritual warfare, i.e., memorizing scripture, a willingness to forgive others, and praying before speaking to someone who might be shooting hateful curses and other weapons of emotional destruction. They cannot hurt us.  This is a miracle!  God's miracle.  The ONLY goal in our lives is to live out this miracle and share it.  Forgiveness by our Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to eternal life in heaven, and it is a gift. So carry it, forgiveness, and use it when necessary to disarm anger, hate, jealousy, etc. The Lord has forgiven us for all eternity… shouldn’t we strive to forgive others the same way?

(3-30-23) Every now and then, life throws us a curve ball.  For whatever reason---it goes too high or too low and when we swing straight on, we don't connect. Divorce is so common, but it isn't just a problem in today's marriages, we have splits between business partners, within churches and of course, in politics and government.  People walk away from responsibility and commitment more easily these days.  Loyalty and trust get eaten up like catfish by litigious alligators!  What's the answer?  Jesus says in Luke chapter five, "Put your nets in the water again."  "But Lord... the alligators!"  After we're tired having fished all night with nothing to show for it, sometimes, like Simon Peter, God asks us to simply… try again!  Then after that He says, "Leave everything and follow Me (Luke 5:11)."  Who leaves everything? Hard workers do. The hard workers have a deeper sense of purpose and self-worth infused in them by the Spirit of the Living God. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" That's got to be a paraphrase from this chapter in Luke.  God isn't finished with us yet, and He will give us the strength to pick up those nets and go (back) to work.  He might just tell us to put them back in our ponds full of alligators because He has clamped their mouths shut, or He can remove the gators, point the way to another pond, etc. Just remember, "Don't be afraid."  You will continue fishing and be just fine with the Lord’s help.  Praise Him!

(3-29-23) - busy week preparing for Holy week and Easter... we will catch up at some point. Keep reading through the Bible!

(3-28-23)

(3-27-23) As we get older, we are supposed to get wiser, right?  I think the classroom of experience teaches us more than all the degrees we could ever earn. For sure, over the years, we learn that we cannot control what others do, we are only responsible for ourselves. On top of that, we cannot even do anything completely by ourselves, we always need God.  We need His wisdom, His protection, His provision, and His guidance, daily.  We can pray for those who offend, who steal, who tell lies, or who kick people when they’re down, and we should pray for them... but sometimes our hearts cry out: "Lord, tell us HOW to pray for them!"  There will always be emotional mountains that we must climb.  It's just frustrating to go around and around the same ones! Recognize it and stop it! Trust God to either move the mountain or give you faith to move it into the ocean. His promise is to get us safely to our promised land... and He is not finished yet!  Praise Him!

(3-26-23)  We never stop growing in the Lord, no matter how old!  We sometimes think that once a person receives Christ, they quickly move toward being full grown in the knowledge and strength of the Christian faith.  Not so!  Just as Christ himself had to grow up physically and mentally, as we see in Luke chapter 2, we must grow.  We learn along the way what pleases God, and we grow in our faith and understanding of His control.  It takes a lifetime!  Praise God, He never leaves us alone, but ALWAYS stretches out His hand to guide us across busy intersections in life.

(3-25-23)  We have all these different theologies today (studies of God). The word “choice” has become a political/cultural term. Some believe gender is a choice because we are born without a choice, getting pregnant is not necessarily a choice, but abortion is a choice, etc. Four years ago in 2019, the African United Methodists kept the mainline denomination from a split over issues of choice, but in 2024, those tides will turn and this has caused the inevitable split in the denomination… and now, people must choose. God tells us how we should choose in Deuteronomy 11:26-28. “See, today I am letting you choose a blessing or a curse. You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God.” The fact is, we choose to agree or disagree with God’s Word. Don’t listen to anyone. This is personal! We must read the Word for ourselves... COVER to COVER, and make an educated choice, led and directed by the Holy Spirit within us. We are literate people! Do not rely on anyone else’s opinions. Read the Scriptures for yourself and ask for God’s direction when making choices.

(3-24-23) We forget sometimes who we are---the Bride of Christ!  Our culture has played havoc with marriages today, so we have quickly become accustomed to traditions and trends that go against the character of God concerning marriage. Couples are told they should live together before marriage to test the waters and see if they are compatible. Ha!  If Jim and I had done that, I would have headed home to Mama after one month! Vows should make a difference, but people get a divorce as easily as driving through McDonalds. The glorious wonder of being someone’s bride includes loving and being loved with our whole being. God demands that kind of love. Max Lucado reminds us today that God’s goal is not to make us happy, but to make us wholly His. Our goal is to become wholly His, and this is not in our power… but by His Spirit’s power within us. His commands keep us safe, righteous, pure and holy for our own good. Be the Bride who is ready when Christ, the bridegroom, returns to claim us for all eternity.

(3-23-23) Today is Jim’s birthday---another year around the sun! As a grandparent, he doesn’t care the least little bit anymore about his birthdays---it's all about having fun things for the grandchildren to enjoy when they come to DaddyMac and MamaMac's house! They were here this week and what fun we’ve had! As Christians, we glory in the promise that the Lord's agreement of love extends not just to us, but to our future generations. We can claim what God tells the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 7:8-9: "But the Lord chose you because He loved you... So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep His agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love Him and obey His commands." The best "birthday" or any day gifts are God's blessings constantly coming our way because our grandparents followed the Lord. They cheer us on now from the grandstands of heaven, and we will do the same someday... for a thousand lifetimes! "God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him (Luke 1:50)." Read about these generational promises in Deuteronomy 7, today, and claim them for yourself, your children, and your grandchildren. They will be great in the land! But, what if your parents or grandparents weren’t believers? You will be the one to start the flow of generational blessings for your children and grandchildren for thousands of generations to come. Praise God! How awesome is that?

(3-22-23) It's difficult to be angry with someone who is enjoying life. Sure, they might annoy the stew out of us if we're upset about something, and they seem happy, but just the opposite can be true as well... they're annoyed because we're NOT enjoying ourselves!  The Psalmist says to enjoy serving the Lord and He will give us what we want (Ps. 36:4)!  Don't we all really want good things? As we look around at the fruit of others, we can discern between the sheep and the wolves easily! * Those with good fruit are enjoying their work, their God-appointed service, and those with not-so-good fruit?  They cannot find contentment---and they don’t work well with others.  What do they enjoy? Holding on to hurts, churning up past offenses and NOT moving forward! Lord, protect us from su


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