Beginning of the School Year Proverbs

This summer has been quite possibly the best one ever for me. Spending time with my little mister has been absolutely perfect. Growing in the depth of my marriage this summer has been incredible. I've also been challenged a lot this summer spiritually. I have been given opportunities by God to expand my perspective, seeing life and other humans more like God does. It's been humbling, sometimes tearful, sometimes difficult, but it always ends in wisdom. So, in honor of school starting tomorrow, I thought I would summarize my recent journey with little "proverbs."

There is nothing more valuable, more precious, more sacred, more meaningful, than human life, and it needs to be fought for.
"Stop doing wrong and learn to live right. See that justice is done. Defend widows and orphans and help those in need." Isaiah 1:16-17

Our hearts must break for the hurting, broken, and downcast, just like Chrits's so that we may know the meaning of love and faith.
"If you would only give what you have to the poor, everything you do would please God." Luke 11:41
"When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They cannot pay you back. But God will bless and reward you when his people rise from death." Luk14:13-14

Do not be ashamed of Jesus; he means more than anything else on this earth.
"Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved." Mark 13:13

It's not enough to just say we follow Christ; he expects us actually get off our bum and do something.
"If any of you want to be my followers you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me." Mark 8:34

I need to be a treasure for my husband if I expect him to treat me like one.
"A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!" Proverbs 31:10

I look forward to discovering more of God's wisdom, depending more deeply, and stepping out more boldly for him this year.

Value Life, Value Children

Life. We sometimes take it for granted. Some waste it, others embrace it. It's that time period in which we have to figure everything out. We understand it is limited but don't always value it. And each person's counts.

I'm writing out of a broken heart this week. I've been bombarded the last few weeks (and really a lot longer) about the value and purpose of our lives. What am I supposed to do with my life? For whom do I live it? How long does it last? Will it matter to someone in the end? What are my rights? How is mine like everyone else's? How is it different?

But with all the craziness in our nation, there's one thing I think a lot of people don't value: life. Theirs or another's. Don't believe me?

"In Ramah a voice is heard crying and weeping loudly. Rachel mourns for her children and refuses to be comforted because they are dead..." Jeremiah 31:15

I recently read a report about one fair-sized Midwest community. One in 5 of the children living in this community are in poverty. That's roughly 12,000 kiddos in this one city. One in 3 of the homeless people in this place are kids. That means they have no one caring for them, they sleep in cars or wherever they can find, and probably don't eat every day. About 400,000 children in the US are in the foster care system, some more than 5 years. Almost 60,000 of that number have had their biological parental rights terminated and many of those kids spend over 2 years waiting to be adopted. Ten percent of foster children age-out of the system, and never really find a solid home. In addition, there are well over a million abortions PER YEAR in the states, the highest of any western nation. And those are the ones we know about. Yes, abortion at any stage is murder. The murder of precious life.

"A hunter traps a bird and puts them in a cage, but some of you trap humans and make them your slaves." Jeremiah 5:26

"In Gilead they ripped open pregnant women..." Amos 1:13

We could read statistics all day about these sad and tragic things. That's not the point. The reason I don't think we as a nation truly value the precious fragility and beauty of life is because we don't value our children. Kids are abandoned on the subway, forgotten in a hot care, driven into the ocean by their mom in a minivan, beaten, abused,trafficked, and aborted.

The thing is, children represent new life. They represent hope. They show we value our future. They convey our desire to love.

"Stop doing wrong and learn to live right. See that justice is done. Defend widows and orphans and help those in need." Isaiah 1:16-17

We need to fight for life. For ours and these children. When we take a good hard look at those around us, we are able to look into their lives and see the world from another perspective. Go spend a week in another country, you'll appreciate the differences. Serve your community in a different neighborhood, you'll notice another's struggles. Give a child in need your attention, you'll see true joy. How can we make a difference? By showing love and giving value to those kiddos in your life, ones you meet in the grocery stores, and pregnant women. And by trusting in God's power. Please join me in praying for children and seeking ways to rescue the born and unborn little ones.

"...But I, The Lord, say to dry your tears. Someday your children will come home from the enemy's land. Then all you have done for them will be greatly rewarded. So don't lose hope. I, The Lord, have spoken." Jeremiah 31:16

My Battle with Criticism

Lately, I've been getting a lesson on criticism. No, not how I'm being critiqued, not how best to provide the constructive kind...I'm talking about the deep-seeded, comes from the darkness of my heart, kind. Man-oh-man can I dish it out. Of course, I'm sure we are all guilty of the kind where we walk through the mall and make comments about her bouffant hair, his goofy swagger, their PDA. I'm as guilty as anyone else. But lately, God is showing me how incredibly talented I am at critiquing others. And that's not something I'm proud of.

I'm a first born child, a strong-willed, independent, educated, perfectionist. I've also got this nasty sin that lurks in the untamed corners of my heart, and a large mass of this cancerous stuff shows itself as unfavorable judgement. I think I KNOW things. I feel like I've got ALL the solutions. My mind wants to pretend I have it all figured out. And so my selfish heart evaluates others, from their hair, to the way they live their life, to the very fashion in which they worship God.

"You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about." Ephesians 2:8

Enter God. He's kind of smacking me in the face with this one.

WHO AM I to dish this crap out? If I was perfect, then I could rant and rave all I wanted. But I struggle with stuff all day long and here I am being critical others on their own issues, both good and bad.

I believe the root of this issue in my heart are several things: I forget how much of a sinner I was. That amazing gift of grace and mercy and love poured out in Jesus makes me acceptable to God, and somehow, it gets lost in the back of my mind. Secondly, I don't TRULY think about or love others. People are no different from me--I'm a "people" too. All these other humans that irk me, that I criticize, come from hurts, brokenness, trials, and temptations. Many of them are doing the best they can with what they have. Many of them are fighting battles harder than I can even imagine. Many of them are working to be themselves in a world that really doesn't want you to do that. These are humans, and sometimes I forget that.

"Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting." 1 Corinthians 13:7

Our God is a God of grace. He's a personal God who gets to the heart of his people. Jesus met people's deepest needs and healed, REALLY HEALED them. Those that he could have called out and made cower before his perfection, he loved and served and died for. And it didn't matter who they were: prostitutes, IRS agents, drug addicts, obnoxious people, frustrating people--they all received Jesus' love and mercy. God wants to build up, grow, cultivate, tend, mend, fix, love. We see that from cover to cover in the Bible.

"We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things." Hebrews 10:24

"Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those that hear." Ephesians 4:29

So why do I think I should criticize, critique, evaluate, cut down, belittle? How is it Christ-like that I should get in the way of someone's journey to or with Jesus with my words? I want to reflect Christ in every way, no matter who is listening. I pray that I can edify, help, support, love, and provide grace to other humans on this rough journey of life. I beg God to be patient with me and provide me with the wisdom and self-control to manage this untamed tongue on mine so that it heals rather than hurts.

This is a tough lesson to learn and kind of icky to write about. I'm sure some people are shocked to read this, and others who aren't surprised. But my prayer is that through God's wisdom in his word, we might be able to be a church of life and growth. Love you all.

Starting in the Middle

I love beginnings. First steps. New starts. Fresh plans. The beginning of a journey. Milestones. The last series of my blog I posted, I began January 1st and wrote my thoughts through the Bible. That concluded shortly before my munchkin was born and since then, well, let's say I haven't taken the time to really soak in God's word. I've been coasting down the spiritual mountain I was on after such an intense two years of scripture study. But that's okay. Life is all about seasons, Solomon wrote about that.

Which brings me to this post, this moment. It's not a particularly important moment in life. My munchkin isn't turning one, it's not the beginning of the year, or summer, or a new job, etc. and that kind of bugs me, because I want to start in an epic way. But isn't that how God kind of works? He doesn't want us to wait until then (whatever that may be) to begin our relationship with him. We start and walk with God in the middle of our lives: the chaos, the mess, the imperfection, the busyness of life. And that's what this series will be, what God is teaching me in the middle of life.

And where do I start? Since my little man has been born, God has been teaching me so much: patience, selfless love, the nature of worship, the purpose of the church, scripture memorizing, giving, abiding in Him, and so much more. None of these have I truly learned, perfected, or found answers to. Mostly, they are just ideas and questions I've wrestled with.

I'm leading a women's bible study and our first discussion will be on Proverbs 31:10-31, the woman of God. I find my struggles of being a woman of God increasingly difficult the longer I live and the more roles I play. So often women find themselves in a dozen jobs with many expectations placed upon themselves. And this doesn't include the weighty expectations we have for ourselves. I'm a perfectionist in every way: there is no reason for me to make mistakes if I know the right way to do something. Even my thoughts and feelings are not beyond the reach of my unrealistic perfectionism (i.e. I can't believe I even thought/felt that).

As I study this passage on the Proverbs 31 woman, I'm exhausted just reading all she does. Holy moly, I have a lot to catch up on! She makes clothes, brings food from afar, prepares the food, plants, manages, sews, gives, sells, advises, and is never lazy...sheesh. If only she existed, right? I mean, seriously, I do as much of that as I can and well, it's hard. I work, too. I serve at church. How does a mom take care of her family like that? That, my friends, is exactly what I've been learning. I'm prone to selfishness, a victim mentality, when things don't go my way. I think, "Gosh, I've got so much to do. The work never ends. My career is demanding beyond appeasement. My family is busy, and I won't even mention the chaos of our dogs!" These thoughts can easily destroy my day. My attitude will stink like rotting garbage. And I'm the LAST person my husband wants to hang out with.

The truth is, life is hard. Life as a wife, friend, daughter, sister, and a mother challenges every mental, physical, and emotional power I possess. So why would God hold us to such unrealistic expectations? Why would he place this burden on our shoulders? I'm learning that God's burdens feel a whole lot different from the burdens we place on ourselves. God burdens our hearts for others: the lost, the hurting, our friend, neighbor, coworker. It's a burden to love, not a burden of expectation. When life starts feeling heavy, guess what? It usually means I have strayed from the Good Shepherd and am trying to life on my own terms. It's harder. It hurts. It's joyless.

This Proverbs 31 woman is incredible. She loves and serves all day, everyday. How does she do it? Certainly not on her own power. She does it with a heart filled with the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7) and the love of Jesus. Are we going to accomplish this in our lifetime? Puh-lease. No, and that drives me nuts.

But, why waste my life on myself? (An idea I've been thinking about for awhile.) I want to love my family, and so I will strive to be like (not necessarily achieve) this Proverbs 31 life. My focus must be on my God and my family, not myself. I will try to find the joy in loading the dishwasher for the bazillionth time this week; give grace to my husband and dogs who track in sticky wet grass after I just scrubbed that floor; feel peace when shopping for groceries; find patience trying to figure out how to use the crockpot; and contentment in the washing of the seventeenth load of laundry for the day. Yes, selfishness and perfectionism are no way to live. I'm working on it. Perfect? Ha, no. But trying to be guided by love? You betcha. 

Book Review: Make, Mature, Multiply

The last few months I've been coasting. I haven't spent much time in the Word in the last 7 1/2 months, partially because I've got a little munchkin vying for my time and energy. I love my little distraction, but finding time to study scripture has been hard. It's interesting though, that in a drought, the plants are the most thirsty. I was seeking something to read that would challenge me and was Bible driven. So along comes this book--Make, Mature, Multiply. 

The focus of this book, (rightly so,) is what our own Christian walk should be centered on: the gospel. Every chapter spoke to this theme, emphasizing how this life changing message should direct our lives. I'm not a huge fan of the movement called "street evangelism." It seems superficial and so unlike Jesus. And yet, how do I share the gospel in my day to day life? How can I "go and make disciples" if I am too afraid or timid to speak the name of Jesus, even to my friends?  In the first section, "Make," I was challenged in my perspective of evangelism. One chapter pointed out, "maybe that's our problem with evangelism. We don't tell the told gospel because we've lost sight of what it means to be forgiven" (21). Whoa, had I forgotten how much grace God has given me that it doesn't touch my heart and thoughts daily? When we realize just how merciful and gracious God has been in our lives daily, we should be moved to make him the topic of our conversation and the purpose behind our actions. As another author put candidly, "we are never exempt from the call on our lives to make much of him" (109).

In the second section of the book, "Mature," every chapter challenged a part of my Christian walk. How do we live more radically, more maturely, more devoted, to our God? These writers challenged my perception of myself and my identity. They spoke about the power of repentance and the necessity of obedience to Christ's teachings, how to pray more powerfully and purposefully, gratitude, humility, and doubt. Each and every day, I struggle with one or more of these things. Living for Christ is not easy, and these chapters presented powerful, biblical messages that are so encouraging.

And finally, in a person's quest to be a devoted follower of Christ, we are to "Multiply." I often struggle with the feeling of inadequacy. What do I have to offer people concerning being obedient to Christ? Who am I that I should mentor or write about Jesus? But isn't that the point? One of the final chapters focuses on who we are and how little we have, but that "our very hesitations are gospel opportunities....The gospel reminds us that we don't have to live a perfect life in order to engage in discipleship. Jesus lived the perfect life for us" (255-56). I can boast in my weaknesses because Jesus has all the more room to shine through them! What do we have to offer? Not much. How far from perfect are we? Pretty distant. I know I'm not perfect, I live in my head everyday, I've got typos in my blog, and don't say all that I should. But perhaps that just shows how much more amazing our God is. That he would choose us as his children and as his messengers of Jesus.

I'm thankful that this book fell in my lap this last month. I'm thankful that it focused on the real heart of the issue: the gospel. And I'm thankful that I'm still on this journey of faith, figuring more and more out daily, of who God is and what I can do to be obedient. I pray that you are in encouraged by some of these words and if you feel lead, check out the book, Make, Mature, Multiply. 

• eBook - $3.99 - (http://store.gospelcentereddiscipleship.com/collections/frontpage/products/make-mature-multiply-edited-by-brandon-d-smith-foreword-by-david-mathis)
• Amazon.com - 9.99 (http://gcdiscipleship.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a959877b593b7e88fbda7a75a&id=e71843a12c&e=4ee5666b41)

Book Review: everPresent

A couple weeks ago, I was asked to be a part of a group to read a book that was written by a friend of a friend, that hadn't been released yet. Kind of a preview or pre-release experience in order to give my feedback and help promote the book. In the midst of being a new mommy with an over active 4 month old, the exciting close of a basketball season, and grading seniors' research papers, I managed to read this (short) book. 

It's titled everPresent, and is a new perspective on why we feel the way we do in this discombobulated, hurting, broken, world and how we can approach being followers of Christ in the spaces we live life. It's divided into two parts, the first being more theoretical and theological, focusing on where we are spiritually and where we were meant to be--present. It was a brand new idea for me, this take on our presence and place and I was challenged by it.  One of the most powerful moments came when the author was writing about how our Christian doctrine sometimes overemphasizes the spiritual, almost ignoring the importance of the material, physical, here-and-now of life. We can trust that the material is in fact important by considering the fact that:

God doesn't simply rapture people up to heaven as soon as they are saved. If we buy into the dualistic competition of spiritual and material then it would only seem logical for God to drop the material stuff as soon as possible so we could get on with the greater and better spiritual phase of our existence. However, if we believe that both physical and spiritual are important, integral parts of who we are as creatures then we need, by necessity, both spiritual and material restoration. (Page 37)

I thought, cool. God is about restoring, redeeming, saving, and helping, and he leaves us here on earth to make sure we get the opportunity to experience those things and be a hard to lead others there as well. Because we are here, we need to really be HERE. 

Part two of the book was the practical application part. My fav. It discussed how we inhabit four spaces and we can serve, worship, and live out our God-given purpose in each. How can we be everPresent in those places, just like the God we serve is? For instance, in our homes, we are to raise up children in the ways of The Lord. In our work, work and do everything, as if we are serving our King. In the third spaces, or social environments, be active, engaged, outward-reaching. And in our cities, be a contributing citizen. I agree 100%. He states very poignantly:

Our homes, our workplaces, our social environments become little embassies of the King we represent, Christ. (Page 40)

Overall, I would recommend this book to a friend. I need to do less face-booking, and more face-to-face, more listening, engaging, loving, and serving. Just like Jesus. 

You can find it here:

• ebook ($2.99) -http://store.gospelcentereddiscipleship.com/products/everpresent-how-the-gospel-relocates-us-in-the-present (the link won’t go live until Monday morning at 1am).
• paperback ($6.49) - http://www.amazon.com/everPresent-How-Gospel-Relocates-Present/dp/0615989020/

End of a Journey

Well,  that's it. After a year (a little more, because, well, I didn't rush and missed a few days) we've read through the Bible together. Wow, what an incredible book, journey, and experience. God's Word is rich in wisdom, grace, and lessons.

I had always wanted to read the whole Bible, but could never get past Genesis. Then, I was inspired, determined to make my faith real and pursue the Truth of God, his Word, and deepen my relationship with Jesus. I'd always felt like I was missing something and figured it was worth a try. Boy, was it ever worth it. My life changed when I spent a few minutes of my day with The Lord, meditating on his words.

I hope and pray that you enjoyed this journey. I pray you were encouraged and inspired. But most of all, I pray that you were, or are, challenged to read all that God has to say again, or for the very first time. It will truly, radically, and eternally change your life.
And so, as my journey with you in this daily reading and mediating on scripture ends, I hope it is just the beginning for us as we pursue our loving and amazing God.

Day 348: Fishermen for Something Greater

Luke 5:1-26; Ezekiel 48; Isaiah 66

One thing that I love about this story of catching all the fish and becoming "fishers of men," is the decision of Simon, James and John. As experienced fishermen, they knew that the catching was slim that day. They had tried and tried with no results. Suddenly, with Jesus in the boat, they catch more than they can handle. Some people in this situation would want to keep on fishing, thinking that Jesus was a good luck charm. But not these men. They recognized that there was more to Jesus than just being a magic fish attractor, so they chose to leave fishing for Jesus. Even despite their new success at fishing, despite the results in that area, they decided to take that moment of productivity, of blessing, give credit to the right person, and do something more important. May we, too, not see Jesus as just a good luck charm, but as our Lord and teacher.

This passage says "News about Jesus kept spreading." Despite the fact that he probably told a lot of people the same thing he did the healed leper: Don't say anything about this. Jesus' power, his influence, is so powerful, that people shouldn't be able to help but tell about him and hear about him. The problem (as I see it), is that we aren't following the real Jesus or we aren't following him at all. Here in America, if church-goers would stop just being church attenders and start being Christ followers, I truly believe that our nation could be changed and "News about Jesus [would keep] spreading."

In Isaiah, there are a couple of powerful verses. First, "The people I (God) treasure most are the humble--they depend only on me and tremble when I speak." Very cool. Then, God says "I will comfort you there like a mother comforting her child." That has new meaning for me now. God is the ultimate comforter. I love these scriptures that give a glimpse of God's heart. He doesn't want the proud, the tough, the fearless to be his followers. He wants honest people who shake in their boots sometimes, but rely solely on him. And he loves us like a mother loves her precious child. Giving life, time, and love as much as that child needs. Our God is so good.

Day 347: Healing Power

Luke 4:31-44; Ezekiel 46-47; Isaiah 65

Wow, reading about Jesus' healings is pretty cool. I love that he heals completely, with no strings attached, no expectations. He just gives and serves. He heals people of crazy bad stuff like demons (and later raising people from death), as well as from little stuff like fevers. No sickness is too big or too small for his touch. Then the people try to stop him from leaving. They want him to stay with them. I'm sure I'd be the same way! Jesus is so awesome, of course we would want him around. However, what if he would have stayed? Where would the world be? Would the message and healing of Jesus been far-reaching? Sometimes we want to feel God really close all the time; it's an amazing experience. However, when God seems distant, we have to grow, step up, press on. When we've been healed by Jesus, it's awesome, but we need to keep living life with the rest of the world, showing how we've been healed and telling about Jesus. If Jesus would have stayed, they would have only talked to him and not to others, ultimately missing out on spreading the message further.

Here at the end of this chapter in Isaiah, God reveals his plan for a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more crying; celebration and peace and joy will be the atmosphere and no one will go hungry or need to fear. It sounds so awesome, such a beautiful promise. And God wants everyone to be able to be there. So let us be bold and share about Jesus' love so that our friends and neighbors can one day live with us there!

Day 346: Using the Word

Luke 4:1-30; Ezekiel 44-45; Isaiah 64

Jesus gets tested by the devil "in every way possible." And what is so cool about how he overcomes Satan--through scripture. He uses the very words of God, the message of The Lord, to fight and keep himself strong and on track. If that's how Jesus did it, then that's how I want to! We can be stronger when we don't just rely on ourselves, our own mottos, other people's encouragement. There is nothing more powerful in this world for standing strong against our enemy than the Bible.

Then, Jesus puts himself in a tough position with the people of his hometown. He basically tells them that they are no better than Gentiles, than unbelievers, and if they liked him before, they definitely changed their minds. Jesus speaks truth and the people don't like it. We need to speak the truth about Jesus, even if the people around us (including our family) don't like it. There is nothing more important than the message of Christ: that he has come to set everyone free and provide salvation through himself. We should not hold back for fear of what people will think. Everyone needs to hear about the Good News, and to hold it back shows we don't love Jesus or others enough.

In Ezekiel, God is basically revealing the standards for worship. The best, the perfect, the honest, the obedient, that's the worship he wants. All the specifics aren't necessarily important to us today, but the purpose of them still is. The purpose is to give God our best, our first, and be completely obedient to him.

This chapter in Isaiah reminds us that our sins cannot be taken lightly and that God deserves so much better from us. It isn't that we have to earn our way to heaven by no sinning ever--that would be unbiblical--but it is about seeking holiness and righteousness because we love God. He has not only given us so much, shaped us, offered us salvation, but he is GOD, he deserves our obedience and worship.

Day 345: Movement of the Holy Spirit

Luke 3:21-38; Ezekiel 42-43; Isaiah 63

I think it is SO COOL that Jesus is born into a family whose lineage included David, Abraham, and eventually Adam. Of course he comes from that line!

The other thing that stands out to me in these chapters is the emphasis on the movement of the Holy Spirit. My intro to the book of Luke talks about how he made sure to mention it throughout. The Spirit is with John and gives him power. This same Spirit tells Simeon that the baby in front of him is Jesus. And when Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him. It's like the promise of Jesus and Jesus himself opened the door for even more powerful movement by the Spirit. I don't know exactly how that works, but I think it is important for us to consider the movement and invovlement of the Holy Spirit in ours and others hearts and lives. How is God moving in our hearts? What is the Spirit encouraging us to do or not do?

I almost missed it! In these last few chapters of Ezekiel, he is being shown what the temple should look like. Who is showing him? A mysterious man who shines like bronze and carries a measuring stick. Who is this guy? Well he isn't an angel, or Ezekiel would have said that and described him differently. And he must not be a prophet of old, or Ezekiel would have said something like that. There is speculation that this "man" who shows up throughout the Old Testament, that doesn't have a name, but brings messages and is a powerful presence, is actually Jesus. They didn't know who he was because Jesus hadn't made his official appearance on earth, but that could be who he is. I think it's totally possible and totally cool.

In Isaiah he recounts God's goodness to his people. He rescues us. It bothers him to see us in trouble. He takes us in his arms and carries us. Yes, God can get very angry. He can be very destructive and judgmental. You don't have to read far in the Old Testament to see that. However, you also don't have to read far to see how abundant his love and concern for his people are. I truly believe that with every little ounce of anger he feels or demonstrates, his love overflows 10 times more.

Day 344: Cool John

Luke 3:1-20; Ezekiel 40-41; Isaiah 62

John is cool. Here he is in the desert fulfilling a prophecy in Isaiah, speaking the message of God, and teaching people how to live and love better to please the Lord. He rebukes them by saying that they shouldn't  come get baptized just to avoid hell, but that their lives should change because of their repentance and baptism. He instructs them to give to those who have needs and not be greedy with their money. John is bold and what a powerful precurser to Jesus. He was speaking the same message Jesus would preach and the same message of all the prophets before him. It's the same message for all of us. God wants us to repent and live our lives for him, meaning that we give to, serve, and love him and those around us.

Why all this stuff in Ezekiel about the exact measurements of the temple? I think perhaps partly because that way God is the creator and we are the builders. It is his plan and our hands that carry it out. Same is true today in everything else.

When God promises good things, he isn't skimpy. The promises that he will bring are healing, peace, strength, blessings, abundance to his people. All that he does will make the entire world see that he is Lord and we are his people. I pray that we learn to live like victors in Christ Jesus, like children of the King, and have hope in his promises of heaven.

Day 343: Jesus' Family

Luke 2:21-52; Ezekiel 38-39; Isaiah 61

The way it is written in my text in the Bible, Mary and Joseph were to go to the temple and offer a sacrifice to God for their first born son. The scripture says they had to at least offer two doves or pigeons, and that is what they did. It sounds like Mary and Joseph offered just that, a sacrifice of two birds, and the scripture implies that was the minimum. Why would they offer the minimum? My guess is, they couldn't afford anything else. If this is true, it just means that Jesus Christ came from not just a humble existence, but from a humble family. He wasn't raised in riches and so in addition to his love for the poor and needy, he also understood them from a very human standpoint.

The other thing in these verses that makes me think is that there were other people--Anna and Simeon--who proclaimed who Jesus was. There are a lot of people out there who claim that they are still waiting for the Messiah. But how could an 8 day old baby organize to have these elders prophesy over them, unless he was the real deal? Simeon tells Mary that Jesus will cause some people to fall and others to stand, that she herself will experience incredible suffering, but it will all be for a glorious purpose of salvation. Jesus is definitely the real deal.

God actually sends this crazy army to attack the peaceful villages of Israel. He prepares them for war, pumps them up, and then completely destroys them. Why? Because by human standards, an army of nations against a few unarmed, unprotected villages seems like an obvious win. However, God is going to reveal his power and control and love for his own nation by destroying the crazy foreigners. All so that everyone will know who God is and will be amazed by him. God promises that while he sent his people away to be prisoners, he will round them all up and bless them. He won't leave us as captives, but will restore us and give us peace. That's an awesome thing to look forward to.

In Isaiah, God promises that even though his people may have been in mourning, oppressed, prisoners, he will give them joy, peace, freedom, and blessings. We don't need to live as captives, weighted down with despair; through Christ we are set free and have the power and blessing of God and the Holy Spirit.

Day 342: Dry Bones

Luke 2:1-20; Ezekiel 37; Isaiah 60

"A Savior is born for you." Our Savior didn't come riding on the clouds, surrounded by a mighty army, shouting about his power, and flashing his battle gear. He didn't come in a puff of smoke or a blinding light. Jesus came the same way the rest of us showed up on this planet: as an infant, born of his mother. God loves us. He wants to be connected with us. What better way than to become like us, showing his sacrifice and humility even from the start?

I love the story of dry bones coming back to life. Imagine how crazy and creepy that would be! One of the things that I noticed is that God didn't just go 'poof' and fix it. Instead, he had Ezekiel speak to the bones and the wind to provide bodies and breath. God was in control and it was his power that made those things happen, but he used people and our environment to make a difference. Perhaps that is the same today. We don't literally see his hand or hear his voice necessarily, but he works in and through the people and environment around us to guide us, teach us, and bring us back to life in him.

Isaiah 60 is all about restoring God's people to his holy city. I truly believe this means all followers of Jesus and will happen at the end of the world as we know it. God will bring peace, victory, unity, blessings, and abundance and it will be that way for eternity. Our God is one of life and in this scripture, it paints a picture of what life with God in control will look like--and it is beautiful!

Day 341: In the Desert

Luke 1:57-80; Ezekiel 35-36; Isaiah 59

From the moment John was born, God was with him and the Holy Spirit gave him power. He grows up in the desert until God calls him to his people. There is a calling on his life from God. If he would have chosen to ignore that calling then so much of God's plan would have been lost. And why does he grow up in the desert, especially when God seems to find so much favor with him? Because I think it is safe to say that God leads those who he wants to use much through places they will struggle, but ultimately grow much. John had to learn to depend on and trust in God completely because the message he was bringing was super controversial and crazy. Our message is the same today! If we don't trust in God completely we aren't going to be bold enough to speak the gospel because it sounds ridiculous to our world.

God says he cares what foreigners think of him and he says he will restore Israel to their land (even though they don't deserve it) because he wants foreign nations to know that he is The Lord. Why would God care so much? Because even those outsiders need Him. Those people who worship other gods and idols could be welcomed into God people someday if they repent and turn to the true Lord. God is so angry at the Israelites because they represent him so poorly, thereby ruining his reputation with those foreign people, and that makes him made. I pray that we learn to represent God truly so that non-believers would catch a glimpse of the real God and want to be a part of his family.

Injustice was apparently everywhere during this time--not very different from today. God is ticked because he realized that "no one would do a thing about it. So with his own powerful arm he won victories for truth." Even though God wants us to be the hands and feet of his plan and be the outward expression of his heart, he isn't going to sit back and let people be defeated by injustice or not care for the poor, needy, abused, and broken. God will care for those in need and "win victories" as the scripture says. We serve a God who isn't ignorant and won't ignore the hurting.

Day 340: Giving, Providing, Defending

Luke 1:26-56; Ezekiel 34; Isaiah 58

Gabriel shows up to Mary to give her news of the child she is going to carry saying, "You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you." I find this very interesting because here is a crazy amazing angel talking about being blessed, not because he is there, but because God is. Then, while the news is the most important news EVER, it does mean that Mary is going to have struggles. She isn't married, is engaged, and is going to be pregnant. She technically should be stoned for that. And yet, this angel tells her she is blessed. I think it is a misconception that we common believe that blessings mean easy times--financial wealth, good health, career prosperity, etc. Instead, in this passage, we see that blessings mean God and his involvement in our lives (even if our lives end up being a little or a lot rough).

This whole passage in Ezekiel is really incredible. It begins by talking about how the shepherds that were supposed to be in charge of God's people (his sheep), were doing a terrible job, taking everything for themselves and not protecting their flock. It says specifically that these leaders have never protected the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the hurt, or looked for the lost. To me, this is a list of how leaders ought to care for their followers. Then it goes on to say that God will be the best shepherd. He will look after them, care for them, protect them, lead them into green fields, and rescue the lost. Someday he will appoint the ultimate Shepherd (Jesus) to do a perfect job at all of that. It is just a beautiful picture of how, even if those that are supposed to care for us dont, God will, he did, and he is.

Another awesome passage! And it is very much like the sheep one! This one talks about true religion: that we don't do religious stuff to be seen, noticed, respected. If we are going to act religious or obey God for those reasons, he wants nothing to do with us. The life we are to live, the religion God wants (that is referenced in James 1:27) is to remove the chains of prisoners, free the absued, feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, and give clothes to the poor. That is our "religion." And if this seems questionable, look at the life of Jesus. Every other story is about him giving, providing, defending. Very rarely (if ever) does he say "look how awesome I am!" So what happens when we follow Jesus' example, when we take care of his flock, when we follow this true religion? Your "light will shine like the dawning sun, and you will quickly be healed...When you beg The Lord for help, he will answer, 'Here I am!'...your darkest hour will be like the noonday sun. The Lord will always guide you and provide good things to eat when you are in the desert...You will be known as a builder and repairer." WOW. Who wouldn't want that? That isn't why we do those things, for our own benefit, but not only would we be helping people and following Christ's example, but the hope, joy, and healing we gain because of it is hard to pass up too.

Day 339: Epic Tale

Luke 1:1-25; Ezekiel 33; Isaiah 57

The way Luke starts his book sounds like the beginning of en epic story: "Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us..." This is the story of Jesus, the most epic story ever. I find that fiction novels that have the greatest power, that are most popular, have elements of Christ in them. (No joke, Harry Potter: represented by lions, snakes, defeating evil, resurrection, etc.) So let the most powerful, epic, life-changing story begin!

I wonder why Elizabeth did not leave the house for 5 months during her pregnancy? God had obviously worked a miracle for her and Zechariah. I suppose it might be for the same reason Zechariah was struck mute. Perhaps it was a time of growth, a time of deepening faith, focusing solely on the God who gives us a voice and life. I think there are times in our lives where we need solitude, time to go inward and upward to focus and grow.

In Ezekiel, God says that our past is behind us, it cannot save or condemn us in the present. If we made mistakes in the past but want to live holy lives, awesome, God will love us and bless us as we are now. If we did great in the past but slide into sin, then God will love us but discipline us, just as we choose to live at the moment.

The idols and sin that are listed in Isaiah 57 are still around today. People seek the spirits of the dead, they put pagan symbols around their houses, they abuse sex, kill their children, and run after all sorts of idols. I think people like to think that our generation is the worst it's ever been--but the more I read the Old Testament, the more I have to disagree. Things are no different than they have ever been, it just looks different in the 21st century.

However, there is good stuff in this chapter! God promises that even if the faithful followers of The Lord are dragged off and killed, they will find peace in obeying God. There is so much more after death! He also promises that no matter what, no matter where we are, God will heal us, protect us, give us comfort and joy if we worship him. God doesn't like to see wicked people die or punished (he says that in Ezekiel), but he wants to bless. God isn't mean or cruel, he's just fair. Thank The Lord for his wisdom that knows my heart and draws me closer to him. I pray that we can all learn to follow him no matter what the cost, basking in his blessings and promises no matter what our circumstances are.

Day 338: What Matters?

Colossians 3:18-4:18; Ezekiel 31-32; Isaiah 56
When reading some of this scripture, I had a thought: how much does our actual work here on earth matter? Paul tells them to never give up praying and be thankful. He says to be sure and pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain Christ. He continues, saying, "When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time," and he closes his letter talking about people of the faith. When reading this, the focus is the message of Jesus and being a faithful follower of him. Just prior to this he talks about slaves and masters and working as if working for The Lord. I feel like the focus of these passages is all about relationships and not about the stuff we fill our lives with. We are here on earth just a short time and our goal is to please The Lord and win souls for his kingdom. When we die, we can't take our nice stuff with us. The only thing that will matter is the message of Jesus and how well we did at sharing it. It's that eternal perspective.

It's so cool in Isaiah how God talks about blessing everyone who obeys the Sabbath and doesn't do wrong. This passage talks about how foreigners are welcome to worship God, they are welcome in his temple, and The Lord will accept their offerings. ALL PEOPLE are welcomed by God, he does not reject one person or group simply by who they are, and so we should seek to bring his message of salvation to all, so that everyone has an opportunity to follow him.

Day 337: Getting In The Way

Colossians 2:20-3:17; Ezekiel 29-30; Isaiah 55

There are some really powerful ideas in Colossians 2 and 3. First, the forces of the universe do not have any control over us if we have been saved by Christ. We are free to live and do and work and serve as we choose. Paul goes on to ask why we should be bothered by rules made up by humans? He says that these things might make us look like we love God more, but they don't really do anything to help us. Instead we should simply try to be more like Jesus: gentle, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, loving. We don't need to get worked up about stuff in life, but be filled with peace that only God can provide. So that makes me wonder, what humans rules am I trying to follow? What expectations do I feel like I have to live up to that are human designed, not God designed? When all that matters in my life is that I love God with all my heart and love others as myself, what else is getting in the way?

Jesus echoes the verses found in Isaiah: "If you are thirsty, come and drink water! If you don't have any money, come, eat what you want! Drink wine and milk without paying a cent. Why waste your money on what really isn't food? Why work hard for something that doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods." I love these verses. I love the comparison of salvation and spiritual fulfilment to food and drink. Our souls are hungry, our lives are thirsty for the life and love that God offers. Nothing else, nothing we can buy or gain or find compares to the free gift of love and salvation God offers us. It's crazy that the God of the universe would provide the one thing we really need in life and death, at absolutely NO cost to ourselves. We don't have to do anything to earn it, we just have to accept it. Now, the cost was indeed great--Jesus' life and death--but how privileged we should feel, to be given the opportunity to own and carry the most valuable thing in the world that we paid nothing for. Thank you, Jesus!

Day 336: Overloaded Ship

Colossians 1:24-2:19; Ezekiel 27-28; Isaiah 54

Twice, Paul mentions wisdom in this passage. He says, "we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone," and "all wisdom and knowledge are hidden away in him (Jesus)." This seems mighty important. As followers of Christ, we can unlock wisdom beyond what the information of this world can provide. We can be intelligent, seeking answers and using experience to help us grow. Followers of Christ don't have to be dumb, senseless, mindless servants--we are heirs, brothers and sisters, princes and princesses of the kingdom! Let us not shut off our brains, but keep pursuing Christ in every way, including with our heads.

These chapters about Tyre are interesting. He talks about this nation who is rich beyond imagining, who trades with the whole world, and everyone on earth wants to be a part of. Sounds like a good comparison would be America. Our nation is so wealthy, we are connected to countries around the world, people seek refuge here, legally and illegally. But what happens? Like a ship in a terrible storm that sinks to the bottom of the sea, so is Tyre. And so could any nation. Tyre depended too much on their wealth, status, goods, and wanted nothing to do with God. So, The Lord sent a storm, and what do you know, the storm won. I pray that our nation would embrace God again so that we do not sink like an overloaded ship.

"Every mountain and hill may disappear, but I will always be kind and merciful to you" says The Lord. So whatever battle or strife we are facing (like mountains crumbling into nothing), God promises that he will always be loving and faithful. We don't need to be afraid because God is on our side. We can trust him, despite our world sometimes feeling like it is falling apart.

Day 335: Big Brother

Colossians 1:1-23; Ezekiel 25-26; Isaiah 53

I love the picture that Paul paints of what a growing faith in Jesus looks like: "have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors The Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy." Growing in wisdom and understanding. Living a life of honor. Doing good. Knowing God more. Having strength and faith to endure everything. And complete joy. Wow, if that's the way we really lived, if Christians all over this country and our world embraced this type of life, everyone would want to be a follower of Jesus!

This part of Ezekiel is haunting! God passes judgment on all these nations that celebrated when Jerusalem was destroyed and God's people were taken captive. If God was mad at his own children, then he is furious and ruthless with other nations. Basically, God shows that he isn't going to let his people be mocked for long. He will be like the tough older brother and defend and knockout anyone who messes with his followers (even if they don't deserve that kind of protection).

It is absolutely amazing the story that is told in this chapter of Isaiah. It is a perfect picture of Jesus Christ as he suffered and died for the world's sins. One verse talks about how by suffering, this servant, Jesus, will learn true obedience to God. Part of me thinks that that applies to us as well. By our suffering, in our struggles, we decide, and ultimately learn the ability, to obey. Serving God when everything is going well is easy. Doing it when life is a mess or we've lost our hope, that's when faith and obedience do the most growing.

Day 334: Chased

Philippians 4; Ezekiel 24; Isaiah 52

To sit in jail and write, "I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have," is powerful. It's so easy to want more or be frustrated by what we don't have. Paul had experienced prosperity and poverty in many ways, and he encourages us to learn to be content with what we have. If we remember that everything we have is a gift from God for a purpose, no matter how much there is or not, perhaps that will help to teach us to be thankful.

Wow, God tells Ezekiel that his wife will die and he is not to mourn her. Why? As a sign, a symbol, a warning, a message to the people of their coming future. God was trying to purify his people and nothing was working. I would be frustrated that God would feel something like taking my spouse away might work. But that's where complete trust, obedience, faith, and eternal perspective are so important. Was Ezekiel okay with all this? I don't know, but he is completely obedient, so whether or not he likes it, he trusts in God completely.

Cool verses in Isaiah: "Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The Lord has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God."  Then there is this verse: "You won't need to run. No one is chasing you. The Lord God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks." Sometimes we do feel chased by life, by our past, but God wants to rescue us, to save us from those things that pursue us. We can trust him to save us.

Day 333: All I Want

Philippians 3; Ezekiel 23; Isaiah 51

What an awesome, powerful, encouraging chapter in Philippians. To live and believe with the kind of faith and perspective that Paul has, that would be awesome. He says, "But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him." All I want is Christ. Everything else is worthless. That's tough. I really want a horse to ride. And I really want to remodel our house. And I really want to have a gigantic garden. And I really want a full night's sleep. But when I (as Paul has done), compare those things with Christ himself and what he offers--"the prize of being called to heaven"--all of it is worthless. Wow. I pray that God would work in my heart and life and mind and help me to live and think like that. I pray that same for all believers.

Ezekiel, not an uplifting book right now. It talks about the prostitution and punishment of God's nations. Being compared to prostitution, I feel like seeking to end such horrors, including sex trafficking, is kind of a holy cause. It sort of represents the unfaithfulness of the world. God compares his people to prostitutes and explains how such horrible acts make him so angry, so why wouldn't actual, individual prostitution do the same? It just makes me feel more passionate about finding ways and being a part of groups that want to free these women and children from the sex industry.

Check this out: "My teaching will cause justice to shine like a light for every nation." This is the truth of God's word! If people, if nations, followed the will of God, truly obeyed his teachings, and the example of Christ, we would not have to wonder what is right or wrong, and would see people fighting for justice everywhere. That would be awesome. Later in the chapter it says, "Don't be discouraged when others insult you and say hurtful things." I do not need to be upset when I am persecuted, judged, or laughed at for my faith. The God I serve and worship is with me and all that matters is Christ.

Day 332: Not Happy

Philippians 2:12-30; Ezekiel 21-22; Isaiah 50

There's this idea in this chapter that kind of has me stumped: "So work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved." Why fear and trembling? And what does it "really mean to be saved"? I suppose he is talking about searching and seeking the truth, being passionate and concerned looking for wisdom, of what it means to be a brother or sister of Christ and a child of God. Perhaps with dedication, fervor, and devotion, we should be seeking more about who we are in Jesus. Nonetheless, it is an interesting scripture.

Whoa, God is ticked. His chosen people have made a mockery of God, have done everything that is disgusting and dishonorable, and chosen to forget about their Lord. Leaders are ruthless and prophets speak false messages from God, and The Lord has had enough. Poor Ezekiel has to be the one to deliver this message. God's people were a society of depravity and sin--unfortunately, not much has changed.Our world is filled with wickedness, and sadly, some of it lives in the church. I pray that people would experience conviction in their hearts and change in their lives so that we may honor The Lord with our whole existence.

In Isaiah it predicts how God's Servant, Jesus, will suffer. He is obedient to God in every way, trusting in the Father, even when people spit in his face, beat him, and try to tear him down. Jesus was a tough dude, not because of any human characteristic he possessed, but he had faith and strength that came directly from The Lord.

Day 331: Jesus!!!

Philippians 2:1-11; Ezekiel 20; Isaiah 49

First, I love the opening lines of this chapter: "Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others." Jesus is our encourager and because of his love and sacrifice, we don't have to be afraid, but can have comfort knowing we will be with him in heaven one day. And it is God's spirit that unites us with other believers and makes us care about people.

Secondly, this talks about the incredible example of humility in Jesus. He gave up his place in heaven to obey the Father, be human, and sacrifice it all for our salvation. Why would he die for us? I believe it is for two reasons: obedience to the Father and love for us humans. It's just crazy that God would do such a thing. Aren't God's supposed to be all high and mighty? Above us? Unreachable? That's what is crazy about Christianity: our God is humble, with us, relational.

There's this little line in this chapter of Ezekiel that is kind of interesting: "But the Israelites rebelled against me in the desert." I know they were literally in the desert and that's mostly what this was talking about. But I also see a connection to us. The deserts are the places in our lives that we struggle, we face adversity, we face isolation. These are easy places and easy moments to turn from God because life is tough and he may seem uncaring or nonexistent. However, as Jesus was tested in the desert, may our desert moments bring us closer to God and actually strengthen our faith. May we not be like the Israelites and give up on following The Lord in the desert.

Isaiah 49 is awesome! You should read it! It all points to Jesus! It talks about the work of the "Lord's Servant" who will do more than lead people to safety. This servant will be a light for nations and take God's saving power to everyone on earth (GOSPEL!!). It continues by talking about what salvation is and what it will look like: setting prisoners free, leading them home, filling them up, not being harmed--it's an awesome picture of life with Jesus. Love it!

Day 330: Purify

Philippains 1:12-30; Ezekiel 19; Isaiah 48

Paul mentions being brave in this passage. He talks about being brave no matter what the circumstances, and being brave when we face our enemies. Being bold and courageous has nothing to do with our personality--a shy person can still show courage--but it has everything to do with our actions. We are encouraged to live our lives in a way that proves we are unashamed as well as live in a way that we are unashamed of. I want to look back on my life when I'm old and be proud of the risks I took for Jesus. Paul also says to be bold when we face our enemies. If we do that, it shows our confidence in what we believe. Otherwise, our faith, Christ's salvation, appear to not be strong enough or enough of a motivating factor for us to stand for.

In Isaiah 48, it says, "I tested you in hard times just as silver is refined in a heated furnace. I did this because of who I am." This kind of verse appears in psalms and proverbs, and probably other places too. First, God says that he does test us with hard times. This life is going to be tough. If not now, then eventually. But, he compares it to the process of heating silver in a furnace for the purpose of refinement. It isn't to scald, to burn, to melt away, but to purify and make it better. Our trials and struggles aren't punishment, they are opportunities for us to be better, more faithful, more pure, more like Christ. And why do we face troubles and why does God want to refine us? Because of who he is. I take this to mean that he is a God that wants us to be more holy, blameless, that he loves us enough to challenge us so that we can grow, rather than being left in the impure, rough state that we are. He loves us enough to spend time helping us grow.

Day 329: Break the Cycle

Philippians 1:1-11; Ezekiel 18; Isaiah 47

The beginning of Philippians has two passages that are really powerful: that God will finish the good work he started in us and that God will help us to be pure when Christ returns. I love to think about the idea that God is working on me and in me. That he cares enough about me to pay attention to what I struggle with and transform me into something blameless. And what are we supposed to do in the meantime, until Christ returns? Loving, making good decisions, and good deeds. Those three things summarize how believers should spend our time in interaction with others.

This story in Ezekiel is very cool. Basically, a child doesn't suffer for the sins of their parents. Kids can break the cycle that their elders have set up for them, for good or bad. We have no excuse to be less than awesome because our parents weren't. God also reveals his love and goal for life transformation: he wants evil people to leave their sinful ways and do good. He wants them to stop worshiping bad stuff and start worshiping Him. God doesn't get pleasure in punishing people. He old rather everyone changes so he doesn't have to punish anyone. Our God is a good God, just, but good.

Day 328: Short & Dry Trees

Ephesians 6; Ezekiel 17; Isaiah 46

There is so much in this chapter of Ephesians that is so valuable! Parent-child relationships should be characterized with instruction in The Lord, gentleness, and obedience. Workers should work for their bosses/masters as if working for The Lord, doing what God wants with their whole heart. Bosses should treat their workers with respect. Put on the armor of God, because that day of evil IS coming (no question about it) and being prepared with God's armor means we will still be standing when it is all over.

And then on a sort of special note, the only weapon we need is the Word of God. I'd noticed this before, but what a powerful statement in our world filled with "self-help" books. Barnes & Noble is FULL of them. This scripture is saying we don't need strategies, mantras, cultivated skills, etc. God's Word is all it will take to fight and defend against the evil that matters. Because we should not be fighting against one another and our battles are often of the unseen--attitudes, addictions, fears, temptations--God's Word is the most powerful thing to overcome and be victorious.

God tells Ezekiel that he can "bring down tall trees and help short ones grow. I dry up green trees and make dry ones green." God gives life where there was none, he helps things grow that seemed to have no capability to do so. And he can do the opposite. God doesn't have to depend on anything to provide for us, to help us. He is capable of all of this without the permission of anyone or anything. What is most powerful to me is that he can make the "dry ones green." Our lives that seem so britle, worthless, broken, lifeless, can be made rich and flowing with life and goodness at the word of our God. How awesome is that?!

I love the care God reveals in this passage in Isaiah: "Since the day you were born, I have carried you along. I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe." Fabulous. God doesn't change. We can trust in him because he is the same today and for eternity. He is characterized by love and justice now and forever.

Day 327: Spouses

Ephesians 5:21-33; Ezekiel 16; Isaiah 45

I love what Ephesians says about husbands and wives. In particular, I pay attention to the verses directed at us betrothed women: we are to put our husbands first, just like we put God first. One could say that this is a conflict; you can't have two number ones. I used to think this way about best friends: I couldn't have more than one, otherwise it isn't a "best" friend. But I think this actually does work. We love Christ will all of our hearts, having given up everything for him, leaning on him for hope and salvation. We sacrifice for The Lord and we worship him. All of this is the exact same for our husbands--except the worship. We worship WITH our husbands, not TO or AT them. I've always felt that I need to make sure that of my earthly relationships, my husband is the most important. That's why I should cancel other plans to be with him, go out of my way to support him, spend time reading about marriage, etc. If I can't love and cherish my husband, the man I share life with most intimately, I have no business loving on others. Neglected marriages are dangerous and I plan on never abandoning mine.

This chapter in Ezekiel is disturbing. Jerusalem was an abandoned, dirty child that God cleaned up and cared for. He provided riches and goodness and showed compassion when no one else would. Then Jerusalem abandons God, its caretaker for a life of disgusting prostitution and murder. God's people are completely unfaithful. Because God is a jealous and just God, he punishes for sin and to turn from the one who rescued them is the worst sin of all. I pray that God's church is a faithful one. That we do not trade our redemption for sin.

Just like a clay pot doesn't ask the potter why it was made that way, neither do we have the right to demand of God reasons why we are the way we are. It is the potter's choice to mold and shape the clay how he wants, fashioning it for a specific purpose. God does the same with us. I feel blessed just to have God's hands on my heart and life, molding and shaping me. This is such a cool image in Isaiah.

Day 326: Made For More

Ephesians 5:1-20; Ezekiel 14-15; Isaiah 44

Paul talks about living as people of the light in these scriptures. The reason we aren't to do the immoral or disgusting things is that we are children of God, people of the light, meant to be like God. God doesn't want us to have any part of those immoral things because they are like worshiping idols, destroying the relationship Christ died for, and ruining the love and work that the Spirit has placed in us. It isn't that God is trying to keep us from having fun, as a lot of people without Christ like to claim. It's that with a transformed heart should come a transformed life, and as God's creation, we were made for more noble and holy things than that.

In Ezekiel, some people (well, actually a lot) were worshiping idols, then coming to prophets like Ezekiel for a message from God. They were double-dipping and two-timing God and he wanted nothing of it. The Lord had no sympathy, no mercy, for people who lived this way and I'm sure it infuriates him even today. People who go to church or pray over meals, but seek comfort and guidance in something else--they will not receive the blessing of God.

In this passage in Isaiah, God is reminding his people who he is. He is the living God, the Creator, the one who knows the future and wipes away sins. Those who worship idols are blind. They bow down to something made by human hands. How can something fashioned from wood or iron by a person be of any help to that person? God begs his people to turn to him and him alone and worship him. That way, God can pour out blessings and grace upon them. Our God wants to bless us. We just have to love him enough to turn away from the idols in our lives and live for him alone, worshiping him alone, and preaching Christ.

Day 325: Saving Thieves

Ephesians 4:17-32; Ezekiel 12-13; Isaiah 43

Paul orders followers of Christ to stop living like the godless. There has to be change. There has to be a difference. When Jesus is our Lord, our lives should contrast sharply with how we used to live and how non-Christians live. He gives some specifics later on in the chapter--don't get so angry, stop dirty talk, quit being rude--but Paul emphasizes that the Holy Spirit will help to change us. God's Spirit will help to transform our minds and ultimately our lives if we let it.

There's also a little verse in here that is kind of interesting: "If you are a thief, quit stealing." Why does that strike me as so profound? Because it implies that a thief, a criminal, can become a follower of Christ and be changed. Sometimes we like to put certain people (sometimes ourselves) up on a pedestal and look down on the "scum" of society. But here, Paul reveals that a thief can be saved and can change their ways. That person is also a brother or sister in Christ.

God is so mad in Ezekiel about false prophets and women who wear magic charms. He says these false prophets claim to speak in the name of God, but are completely wrong. They preach what people want to hear, not the truth. The women with the charms claim to be able to tell the future, but they are only doing it to get stuff and have control. God is so mad, but he promises to free the people that these women have trapped. God isn't a fan of those who come in his name but create their own message to manipulate.

Very cool passage in Isaiah: "My people, you are my witnesses and my chosen servant. I want you to know me, to trust me, and understand that I alone am God. I have always been God; there can be no others. I alone am The Lord; only I can rescue you. I promised to save you, and I kept my promise. You are my witnesses that no other god did this. I, The Lord, have spoken. I am God now and forever. No one can snatch you from me or stand in my way." Our God fights for us. He protects us. He wants a close relationship and for our worship to be for only him. He deserves it.

Day 324: Being Friends

Ephesians 4:1-16; Ezekiel 10-11; Isaiah 42

I'm so thankful for friends. I'm thankful that God has placed people in my life to share joys and sorrows. Paul talks about having unity with others because of Christ, and I see this as sort of a suggestion for everyone but definitely for our friends. He says, "Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace." While this is definitely important with those who we don't necessarily consider our friends--coworkers, strangers--being humble, gentle, and patient with our closest friends keeps them our closest friends. I have often heard and seen how people can be so kind to a stranger, but to their own family they are cruel and biting. To me, if I can't show love and gentleness to those I love most, my family and friends, then I have no business worrying about being kind to strangers. My love, patience, and kindness should start right at home and radiate outward.

As God is exiling his people from Jerusalem, he makes them a promise: "I will be with you wherever you are, so that you can worship me." Even in their darkest times, even when God is angry, even when The Lord seems distant, he is still there, available for us and deserving of our worship. Just because of the darkness of our circumstances doesn't mean our Holy God doesn't love us or doesn't expect our praise. In Ezekiel, it talks about how God will scatter the people, but he will bring them back together and because of all of their troubles, he will remove their stubbornness and restore their hope. It is through and after trials that I think we grow the most, especially if we are cognizant we are being tested. God doesn't want to leave us in the desert, feeling all alone, or overcome by our enemies. As disobedient as the Israelites were, he gave them hope, and he will do the same for us.

What is so cool in this passage of Isaiah is that it alludes to Jesus. God announces his servant who is strong, who will bring justice, but will not shout or yell in the streets. Jesus is strong, he does bring justice, but he often does it in the quiet of our hearts and the peacefulness of a moment alone. It goes on to say that his purpose is to "bring light and my promise of hope to the nations. [To] give sight to the blind [and] set prisoners free from dark dungeons." Why? because "people were trapped and imprisoned in holes with no one to rescue them." Sometimes in my life I have felt like I was in a hole. I couldn't get out because it was too deep. Jesus Christ is the one who can reach down and lift us out of those holes, those prisons, we find ourselves in.

Day 323: Faith

Ephesians 3; Ezekiel 8-9; Isaiah 41

Our faith in Jesus is powerful. It connects us to God, it makes us brothers and sisters with Jesus, it helps us to stand firm, it teaches us how to love, it opens the door for salvation. Paul talks about the mystery of faith in Jesus in this chapter, and indeed, it seems a little strange: God came in human form, died and rose again, and now we can be made right with Him. Nonetheless, weirdness aside, as followers of Christ, we will experience blessings beyond measure, love without limits, and power at work in us beyond our imagination.

I think about the things that God shows Ezekiel: idols by the altar, idols in the rooms of priests, weeping for the god of vegetation, worship of the sun. In our churches, do we idolize the awesome, brand new, state-of-the-art buildings? Do we worship the music? Do our church leaders fill their homes with stuff, seeking more material things? Look at all the rich evangelists! Do we manipulate our food in order to make it more productive, rather than depending on The Lord to provide? And does our world worship science, astrology, astronomy, etc., seeking truth and answers from science and medicine? Where did these people, and where do we, put our faith? Then this man with the linen robe (Jesus?) is to mark the foreheads of the people who are not living with idols or worshiping other gods. These people are marked because they refuse to compromise, because they see what their world had become and were devastated, because they still loved God and his ways. If we choose that life, perhaps we, too, are being marked by the "man in linen" and our lives (eternally) will be spared.

This passage in Isaiah also talks about idols. It talks about how idols are useless, they aren't helpful, can't do anything. Only God has the power to save, direct, provide, and love. God also gives encouragement in this chapter. If we love him and are his people, then we need not fear. He is with us and will hold our hand so that our enemies cannot defeat us. God is so good and gracious.

Day 322: Ouch

Ephesians 2; Ezekiel 6-7; Isaiah 40

There is a very dangerous idea in this statement in Ephesians: "He (Satan) rules the world and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God." So EVERYONE who is not a follower of Jesus is under the control of the Devil and his schemes. You are either under God's blessing and protection, or you are the Evil One's tool. Ouch. No wonder there is so much hatred, abandonment, selfishness, brokenness, persecution, abuse in our world. Because if we are not living for Christ, trying to serve, love, honor, help, then we are being used to tear down and hurt. When put this way it seems that it puts my life as a believer on an epic scale. Being a follower is not just about putting offering in the plate, donning church clothes, and attending services. It is about fighting for the world, battling for goodness, striving to save people's lives (physically and spiritually).

Ezekiel is bleak: "Dead bodies and bones will be lying around the idols and the altars." The people had fallen so far away from God, had chosen to abandon the living God for idols made by themselves, and God had had enough. They would suffer death as they worshiped their idols. I can't help but think of the alcohol and drugs as one of these idols, around which the dead are strewn. But there are more idols than just substances and money. Dying families, wasting away because of the absence of love and instead, the desire for better positions, careers, paychecks. The beings of abandoned children are everywhere: I see them in the classroom everyday. It is so sad. While Ezekiel was talking about Israel and not America, the similarities seem obvious. And not just here, but around the world.

So how should we feel about sin? Because I think sometimes we take our sins lightly, especially if we are one of those "good" or "better than" people not using drugs or abusing alcohol or having an affair. "All of you will moan because of your sins. Your hands will tremble, and your knees will go limp. You will put on sackcloth to show your sorrow, but terror will overpower you. Shame will be written all over your faces, and you will hang your heads in despair." Wow. That's how broken I should be when I sin against our Holy God. So often I take sin so lightly. There have been a few times I have wept over my sin, but there are many things I ignore.

And then we turn to Isaiah, filled with encouragement about who our God is. He is the Ultimate Conqueror, Gentle Shepherd, All Powerful Creator, Wisest Sage, Complete Provider. Nothing or no one can compare with him!

Day 321: From God

Ephesians 1; Ezekiel 4-5; Psalm 150

Sometimes the more I read scripture, the more I realize I don't understand, and the more I realize that I want more explanation. For instance, Paul writes: "The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people." Paul tells us that we get the Spirit from God when we put our faith in Jesus. Good. So what does it mean to know God? Is it different for each person? Is it something we can explain and define? And the hope, is he talking about eternal life, about salvation? He does say earlier in the chapter that before Earth was made, God chose us to be his people, and so perhaps the hope is that we will be united with him in heaven (eternal life and salvation). And what are the "glorious blessings" that all of God's people will have? We discover these through our hope. How does that happen? My prayer is that God will shine his light in my heart and give me wisdom to understand what I'm reading, not just this passage, but every word written in his beautiful Word.

God gives Ezekiel a job, a role, to demonstrate God's future abandonment of Israel and Judah. Parts of it Ezekiel doesn't want to do, and he tells God that. God's instructions go against what Ezekiel has followed in the Law and he begs God not to make him do something unclean, that he has never done before. And do you know what God did? He listened to Ezekiel and changed things up a bit! He didn't eliminate the task, but allowed Ezekiel to do it with a clear conscience, to not be worried about breaking the rules. If we look at this, as well as how Moses and Abraham interacted with God, we can see that even these men of faith disagreed with God and didn't want to do all he said. They followed through with their tasks, but they prayed for something different. I truly believe that we too can make these kinds of requests from God. Not to totally abandon the job he's set before us, but to ask for assistance or patience or something else that would help us to be more successful or comfortable. Now, I also firmly believe that God doesn't have to heed our request, but he will at least listen.   I also think this shows God is not about fixed rules or plans. He knows what he wants to accomplish and all of the ways to accomplish it. If that means changing something to care for his children, then I have no doubt he will do it.

This last psalm is really simple: Praise The Lord. That's it. We are to use what we have for unhindered, unashamed, praise to God. He deserves it and it will do our hearts, minds, and souls good, to celebrate our Creator.

Day 320: Our Job

Galatians 6; Ezekiel 2-3; Psalm 149

I can't help when I read this last chapter of Galatians, but to think of how it isn't about me. It talks about helping others out of sin; not thinking of myself as better than I am; doing my work well and not comparing; sharing everything; bragging only about Jesus. Life as a follower of Jesus is really about two things: Jesus and others. I don't think this is to say that we should ignore our own wellbeing--it's good to take care of our physical bodies, and especially important to take care of our spiritual self. However, when I walk into church, into my job, out in public, I shouldn't be thinking about how I can best be served or be noticed or get some attention; I should be thinking about how I can demonstrate the love of Jesus by serving others.

Who does God send Ezekiel to? His own people, the Israelites. And what is interesting about this? They won't listen. God tells Ezekiel that if he were sending him to foreigners, the message would be heard and heeded; but God's own people would reject the message and continue to sin. That' would not be encouraging if you were Ezekiel. It's like, "here's your mission--you're going to fail--but do it anyway." However, God tells Ezekiel that it is his responsibility to share the message or he will be punished. It isn't his job to change them, only to share what God placed on his heart to tell them. The same is true for us. Sometimes it is hardest to share the message of Jesus with those closest to us. Sometimes we know we are going to fail. But it isn't our job to change them; it is our job to be bold enough to obey God. God will do the rest.

In this psalm, it says that God gives victory to the humble. This sounds very much like the passage from Galatians. Humility is an attitude that is tough to have, but it was a powerful part of who Jesus, the Son of God, is. It should be a significant part of who we are as well. If we are humble, then God feels like he can work in our lives, knowing that he will get the glory as he deserves.

Day 319: Guided By the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26; Ezekiel 1; Psalm 148

I've always wondered why I would do stuff I know I shouldn't do. Why I could pray and pray over a sin in my life, seek to change, and would still fall back into it. Paul answers that question here: "If we are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires." I was not guided by the Spirit. I was not close to God, or following Jesus' example, or surrendered to The Lord. I have noticed that the more I read God's word, the more I immerse myself in the scriptures, and be surrendered to Jesus, the more I can live by the fruits of the spirit. I am more loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. Though I am far from perfect, I have been transformed by God's spirit, and I pray that same for you.

In this psalm, it says "Let all things praise the name of The Lord because they were created at his command. He made them to last forever and nothing can change what he has done." First, in this verse, I see that everything was made by The Lord. He commanded and it was made; that includes you and me. Secondly, it says that he made everything to last forever. You and I were made for eternity. Life doesn't really end when we die, we continue for all eternity. If that's the case, shouldn't we live differently? Shouldn't we live as if life isn't short, but actually very, very long? I should recognize that when I die, I can't take everything with me, so I should do and work towards establishing things that will last forever, like the fruit of the spirit, like meaningful relationships, like devotion to God.

Day 318: Freedom

Galatians 5:1-15; Lamentations 5; Psalm 147

Christ gives us freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom to do what? It's a strange idea, very vague to me, and I've attempted to process this for a while. This is what I think Paul is talking about and what this idea means: we are free from the expectations of the rules of the Old Testament; we can make our own choices to live how we feel. We don't have rules to follow as disciples of Christ, but instead, we are to use Jesus as our guide and model. We aren't to use our freedom to sin or do any ol' thing, but to love and serve. So if Christ has truly set us free, we will not want to sin, we will want to live like Him.

Lamentations is kind of depressing. I mean, it is a bunch of laments, so that's to be expected. It ends with a cry to God to bring them back to him, for a fresh start. Whats great, is that because of Jesus, I know this happens and I know it is possible. We get a fresh start. We can become holy. We have been chosen as children. The people in Lamentations were slaves; we are free because of Christ, and not just free, but sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus.

The beginning of this psalm, actually answers the final question in Lamentations: will you bring us back to you, God? It says that God should be praised and he will rebuild Jerusalem and return the people of Israel to their homes. He helps the poor and is pleased only with those who trust in him. It doesn't matter how tough we are or how much we have, only that we worship him and believe in his love.

Day 317: Victors

Galatians 4:21-31; Lamentations 3-4; Psalm 146

In chapter 3 of Lamentations, the prophet feels completely beaten down. He feels no grace or mercy from God, until he remembers something that gives him hope: God's love and kindness never fail. He says that we can learn from insults and hard times, we can learn from the punishment of our sins, knowing that God is dependable to give mercy when we obey. "The Lord doesn't enjoy sending grief or pain," but he wants faithfulness from his people. Something that I keep finding in scriptures is this idea that followers of The Lord should not be wimpy, weak, or act like victims. In this chapter, he points to the same idea: "We shouldn't complain (as if we are victims) when we are being punished for our sins. Instead, we should think about the way we are living and turn back to The Lord." So it's not about being a martyr of our circumstances or struggles, but being a victor over our sins.

This psalm points out who God cares about in particular: "He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked." The poor, hungry, prinsoners, blind, fallen, good people, strangers, orphans, and widows. God watches out for these people. Why? Because often, no one else is, and these people truly feel dependant on him. Those of us in prosperity tend to forget how much we need God; these people recognize their need for a Savior.

Day 316: Pour Out

Galatians 3:21-4:20; Lamentations 1-2; Psalm 145

We are God's children because Jesus set us free from the Law. We don't need rules to live our lives. I think Paul is talking about how Jesus lived according to the Law, never sinning, but he wasn't ruled by it. He lived by love. Maybe that is what Paul is talking about--as Jesus was God's son and lived according to love, he was free, not bound by the Law, so we too are free and live with love.
He goes on to say that when we are baptized, it's like we put on Jesus like we put on new clothes. Everywhere we go, people see our clothes, we get judged by what we wear, we reveal our style and personality, often by what we put on in the morning. It should be the same with our "Jesus clothes." People should see Jesus wherever we go, just as obvious as a pair of neon shoes, so Jesus should be that obvious in our lives.

In these chapters of Lamentations, I think there are some important aspects of the human-God relationship. First, The prophet admits that God is right. And the reason for the pain and brokenness is because of the disobedience. It isn't because God is mean. It's because they (and ultimately humans in general) betray the good things God wants us to do. It goes on to say that God shattered his temple and eliminated the Sabbaths and festivals. Why would God want this stuff from disobedient, unfaithful, half-hearted people? God cares less about the fancy services and rituals and more about the hearts of the people. At the end of chapter 2 is this powerful pouring out of the heart. It says "don't ever lose hope...pour out your feelings to The Lord." God wants authentic relationship. Even if all we have to pour out to him are tears, frustrations, uncertainty--"as you would pour water out of a jug"--God wants all of our heart and feelings.

This psalm talks about God satisfying his believers at just the right time. I trust God to provide for my needs--needs, not wants--at the perfect time. Sometimes it's hard; I'm not always patient. But God knows. He's right. We can trust him.

Day 315: Tools

Galatians 3:1-20; Jeremiah 51-52; Psalm 144

We are no longer under the burden of the law, the Old Testament. Jesus came to be the curse that we would experience if he hadn't taken our place. It is through Jesus that we have God's spirit, we are no longer just us, but God's children.

What is interesting about Babylon is that it was a tool used by God for justice. They were not God's chosen, and in fact, worshiped idols, but God used them to bring judgment on the people of Israel. Now, in these chapters in Jeremiah, he is warning them of their own destruction. God uses people and things to carry out his work on earth. I pray that we are not used as tools of judgment and destruction, but of help and healing.

I love how David cries out to God and names what God is to him: Lord, mighty rock, teacher, friend, fortress, shield. God can be all these things for us, we just have to be willing to let him in our lives and take over.

Day 314: True Pastureland

Galatians 2; Jeremiah 49-50; Psalm 143

This passage in Galatians focuses on the freedom Christ gives us. There were spies that had snuck into the group and were attempting to make them slaves. I don't know if he means literal, working slaves, or if he meant slaves to something, like rules and law, etc. Nonetheless, Paul goes on to talk about how Peter was all worried about who he was eating with, something that God's Law probably talked about. But Paul makes the point that the old Law doesn't rule us anymore because Christ came to set us free. I think it is ok to be mindful of the Old Testament scriptures and the stories that tell about obedience and disobedience. I think the Laws that are outlined there as well are meant to help and be good, but we don't have to follow them because Christ is the only way we are made acceptable to God, not anything we do.

These verses talk about what we were made for and what happens if we ignore our divine purpose: "My people, you are lost sheep abandoned by their shepherds in the mountains. You don't even remember your resting place. I am your true pastureland, the one who gave hope to your ancestors. But you abandoned me, so when your enemies found you, they felt no guilt as they gobbled you down." God is our "true pastureland," our peace, our resting place, our safety. When we turn away, we lose our shepherd and get eaten by our enemies--could be people, sins, addictions. May we remember who our Shepherd is and stick close to his side.

Beautiful words in this psalm. I'll let them speak for themselves: "Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you...Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance...You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path."

Day 313: One True Message

Galatians 1; Jeremiah 47-48; Psalm 142

Paul points out that there is only "one true message" of Jesus Christ. There are people who preach something different from the truth of Jesus, attempting to turn people away. Paul says it doesn't matter who that person is, whether "one of us or an angel from heaven." I've heard lots of stories and talked with some people about their faith and their religion and it is amazing how many people do believe in God, in Jesus, but not in the way that scripture tells it. They have been led away from the Truth, and believe something that is not biblical. Paul closes this section by asking, am I trying to please people or please God? Clearly pointing this out is a sticky subject and would get some people riled up. However, he isn't concerned about human approval. All he cares about is the opinion of God. So be careful reader, that you are not listening to people who change the gospel for their own gain. Those like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer preach a prosperity gospel that is not biblical. And there are many others, famous and less famous. May we pursue the truth and find it in Jesus Christ.

The first thing that hits me from these chapters in Jeremiah is the passage about how terrified they will be that parents will abandon their children. To me, this would be one of the worst things a person could do. But these people would be so afraid, so fearful of what was to come, that they wouldn't even think about their own offspring. It happens today, unfortunately. For lots of different reasons, probably including fear, moms and dads leave their children. Kids are left on the streets, in the foster care system, with grandparents--all because of the selfishness and insecurities of the parents. We need to be a generation of parents who take care of their kids, who love them and give them all the good things we can.

The next thing that stands out from these passages is that God is going to bring terrible destruction on Moab because of their disobedience, he was going to weep and mourn and cry for them. Wait, wasn't he just talking about wiping them out with an enemy army? Now God's upset for them? To me, this shows they incredible fairness of God and the incredible love of God. He is perfectly righteous and just, and perfecting loving and forgiving. Crazy.

Awesome prayer: "I pray to you, Lord. I beg for mercy. I tell you all of my worries and my troubles and whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me." We can trust in God to be there to help us through our times of helplessness or worthlessness or worry. Even when no one else seems to care, when no one else can help, God can. That, he promises.

Day 312: In The Meantime

2 Peter 3; Jeremiah 45-46; Psalm 141

Why aren't we seeing Christ return yet? According to Peter, it is because God is so patient and gracious, that he wants to give people time to return to him. Those that scoff at or run away from Jesus may need more time to recognize the power and gift of God. In the meantime, Peter points out that people will be mislead and misinterpret scriptures. He encourages the Lord's followers to remain pure, stay on the right path, and keep growing in Jesus.

This psalm offers a wonderful prayer: "Help me to guard my words whenever I say something. Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people." The psalmist makes it clear that we may have a tendency to say things that aren't right or beneficial, or be tempted to walk down a path of sin. However, if we call on the Lord's name, I believe he will help us to do less of that and more good and right.