Day 300

I fell very blessed to be a Christian in the United States. Here we are not persecuted for what we believe, but accepted, and in certain areas, encouraged. But there are others who are being persecuted for the Lord. I can't imagine the pressure when witnessing to say the right things.

But Jesus gives some advice on this. Luke 21 verses 14 through 15 says, "Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict."

Jesus is saying, when we are witnessing for the Lord, do not worry about what you will say! The Holy Spirit will handle that! Just have faith and trust the Lord to speak of Him and witness!

I have a difficult time with this. I do not feel confident enough in my faith to talk about it with others. But with this, I know that the Lord will put the right words in my mouth and the Holy Spirit will take it from there! I just have to have the nerve to speak!

Day 299

In Luke 21, Jesus and His disciples are watching the tithe being collected. There are several rich men putting large amounts in the collection. But then, a poor widow comes and places just pennies in the offering basket.

In response to this, Jesus says in Luke 21 verses 3 and 4, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Jesus is saying that the window contributed more because she had nothing. She was not comfortable with her current situation, but she still gave to the Lord as a gesture of faith.

The Lord recognizes gestures of faith to Him and I am so thankful for that! I continue to work on my trust in the Lord. I give everything to Him to show how much I love and trust Him!

Day 298

Through this reading, I am also trying to deepen my faith and understanding so I can speak confidently of the word.

Right now, I believe I miss opportunities to speak of the Lord and all He has done because I am not confident enough to speak on behalf of the Bible. I know that when situations arise, the Holy Spirit is with me and He will speak through me and for me. However, I need the confidence to speak.

Jesus, when He spoke, spoke with confidence and with knowledge. As a result, He was able to fend off all traps and attacks on Himself (Luke 20 verse 40).

This reading is helping to strengthen my confidence and give me what I need to speak up when talking about my Lord. I will do what I can to speak up and not back down when confronted about my Lord!

Day 297

My son has a book about Whistler the Dog. It is a story based on Mark 11 verse 24. It is a children's book, but it has time and again been exactly what I needed to hear.

Again Jesus talks about faith. Mark 11 verses 22 through 24 says, "And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.'"

To me, this is so profound! What power prayer has! The only difficult part is not doubting in your heart. We as humans on this Earth are influenced by the world around us, and therefore, are introduced to doubt. But if we rid ourselves of doubt, we can move mountains!

I need to focus on removing all doubt, because with the Lord, there is no reason to doubt.

Day 296

What an all powerful, mighty, gracious, loving, deserving God we serve.

As Jesus was riding the donkey into Jerusalem, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him to quiet His disciples. Jesus replied in Luke 19 verse 40, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."

I believe this! Our Lord is so worthy of praise, if we don't do our part to praise the Lord, then the stones and the very Earth will break forth!

Our Lord is so wonderful, He deserves constant praise! May we, along with all creation, give the Lord the praise He deserves!

Day 295

Again and again I see Jesus speaking to and healing those who believe.

Mark chapter 10 verses46 to 52 tell of Bartimaeus who was blind. He was a beggar outside the city. When he heard that Jesus was walking by, he shouted for Him to heal him.

Jesus heard his cry and asked him what he wanted Jesus to do. When the man asked to restore his sight, Jesus responds in verse 52, "Go your way, your faith has made you well."

Time and time again Jesus proves He is all powerful and can do far more than I could ever imagine. However, it is all by faith! Each time it is by faith. I continue to strive to obtain the faith that moves mountains and to be able to fully trust Him for everything.

Day 294

I consider myself to be a rich person. Not necessarily in monetary possessions, but rather in the family that I have, the friends that I have, and other similar things.

So I found it interesting in Matthew 19 verse 24 says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

This concerns me a little bit! Does that mean that all that I have to consider myself rich must be taken away in order to enter the kingdom of heaven?

Thankfully, the Lord answers my question a few verses later. Verse 26 says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Whew! There is a chance! However, I do believe that this does not come easy! I must devote my entire self to the Lord and trust Him completely. I trust Him to pull this camel through the eye of a needle because I know only He can do it.

Day 293

Before every reading, I pray. I pray about everything, mainly about what is on my mind at the time, and also I pray of the things I have learned so far and I pray that the Lord would reveal to me what He is speaking in the readings for that day.

In the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus prays twice. Once when He hears of Lazarus, and once at the tomb.

The second time Jesus prays, He says this in John 11 verse 41 and 42, "Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I knew that You always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that You sent me."

Jesus said the second prayer to increase the faith of those at the tomb. However, Jesus knew that His first prayer was answered. He knew that the Lord hears every prayer.

I have to remember that the Lord hears every prayer. When I pray, I am talking directly to the Lord! I have to take that seriously. What a privilege and a blessing it is to be able to talk to the Lord my God!

Day 292

Luke chapter 16 gives the parable of the dishonest manager. In this story, a man entrusted with the wealth of another did not manage the money honorably. However, after being confronted, he turned from his ways.

Luke chapter 16 verse 10 says, "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest with much."

My wife and I, along with my son, live in a great house! It is not that big, but good for us. We have 2 modest cars and just enough money to get by for now. However, I feel that this is our test. I feel that the Lord is testing us with this amount. He is saying that if we manage what we currently have well, then He will continue to bless us.

I believe He does this with more than just possessions, but also responsibility and other things too. I thank the Lord for what He has already blessed me with and I pray I am trustworthy in His eyes to receive more.

I thank the Lord for the blessings He has given me, and the ones yet to come!

Day 291

I like the way Jesus explains the benefits of being humble in Luke 14 verses 7 through 11. He describes how it brings honor when one is humble and lifted up, but brings shame when one is proud and brought down.

Jesus also said in Luke 13 verse 30 says, "And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

One of the many lessons Jesus teaches is to be humble in all circumstances. It will only bring honor to your name. I will strive to be humble and put others before me.

Day 290

I found it interesting today the story of the blind man. Jesus restored his sight, but He did it on the Sabbath. The Pharisees questioned the man about Jesus to figure out who He really is.

The Pharisees brought in the man's parents and all who would help validate the man's story and determine who Jesus was. The man told them the story of how he was blind, and now he sees, but still they did not believe.

After the man realized the Pharisees still did not believe, he said to them in John 9 verse 30, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes..."

I like this man's way of thinking. He's basically telling the Pharisees that they may not believe who He is, but look at what He has done!

I think the same goes for us. We may have doubts or even sometimes not believe, but look at what He has done! Not only in the Bible, which is the spoken word of God and the true account of what has been, but also in our lives as well! Whenever we doubt, think about these things!

Day 289

In today's reading, Jesus says in Luke 11 verse 28, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

I need a reminder like this one that says it is not only good enough to read, but what I am reading must be kept and followed through with.

These readings are a two step process. The first is obviously reading it, but the second is retention. This can be done by thinking about what was read several times that day and it can also be done by memorization and other ways.

I believe this is important to keep the intent of the passage fresh in my mind and live it throughout the day.

Day 288

After reading the Lord's prayer in Luke 11, verses 2 through 4, I have more of an appreciation for what Jesus is saying.

Earlier, Jesus had charged His disciples to go and spread the gospel. However, they were not to take any supplies; no food, no extra clothing, nothing.

So when the disciples ask Jesus how they should pray, when the Lord says in Luke 11 verse 3, "Give us each day our daily bread." Jesus is literally saying, pray to the Lord and trust Him to provide your daily needs. I am sure that meant a whole lot more to them than it would for us.

However, Jesus emphasized praying this prayer to have their daily bread, rather than just expecting it. Ask and it shall be given to you. We have to pray and we have to ask.

I believe Jesus is saying to pray often and ask Him to meet our needs. We then must trust Him to do so. This is how we should pray.

Day 287

In this reading, Jesus was put to the test by the Pharisees. A woman who, by local law, deserved to be stoned by the people was brought to Jesus. They wanted to test Him to see if Jesus would throw stones at her as per the law.

Jesus responds to their test by saying in John 8 verse 7, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

Jesus is saying that only the one who is sinless has the right to judge. The only person that is sinless is the Lord. Therefore, do not judge others.

I have to remember to be pure with my comments. I have to talk positively about others, and build others up. Also, it is not my place to judge others. This is the Lord's responsibility, not ours.

Even in our minds we must refrain from judging others. I will work on being pure with my comments and not judging others when I have no right to do so.

Day 286

In the reading for today, the disciples try to cast out a demon from a boy, but are unable.

The disciples approached Jesus later and asked Him why they could not cast out the demon. Jesus replied in Matthew 17 verse 20, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you. If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

I long for a faith like this where I pray wholly confident that the Lord can do all that I ask and more. I am getting there, but still traces of doubt creep in. I believe that is what is holding me back.

I continue to strive for this kind of faith, and as the father of the boy with the spirit said in Mark 9:24, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Day 285

In today's reading, Jesus shows us how to identify Satan and how to respond.

When Jesus foretells His death and resurrection, Peter takes Him aside and rebukes Him. But Jesus sees the devil working through him and says in Matthew 16 verse 23, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Jesus saw that what He was being told was not of the will of the Lord and it did not fall into the Lord's plan. When He saw this, He rebuked Peter and did not listen.

I need to keep on the lookout for Satan working in my life, and also through others to try and sway me from my purpose and part in the Lord's plan. I need to see that when someone says something, or a thought enters my mind that is not of the Lord, I need to acknowledge that and focus again on the Lord.

I pray that the Lord will help me identify when things are not of Him and give me the strength to overcome them and continue to focus on Him.

Day 284

In today's reading, Jesus feeds 4,000 men. The thing about this story is the lack of faith by the disciples.

Jesus had compassion on the people and told His disciples that they need to feed the people before they go home, otherwise they will not make it.

Mark 8 verse 4 says, "And His disciples answered Him, 'How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?'"

Are you kidding me? A few chapters ago, Jesus fed 5,000 men with nothing but scraps! Why would they even ask this question when they know what Jesus can do?

But at the same time, I look at myself. I do the same thing! I have seen what Jesus can do, but I still question Him! I still ask Him how. Jesus can do all things. Why then do I question Him? Why then do I doubt?

Day 283

Quite often I wonder if I am a good Christian. I wonder if I am following in His ways and doing His works.

This is clarified in John chapter 6 verses 28 and 29, It says, "Then they said to Him, 'What must we do, to be doing the works of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"

The main thing, to sum it all up, that we have to do to be accomplishing the works of God is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We simply have to believe!

Day 282

I am all too often like Peter. I see something miraculous like Jesus walking on the water, or have my faith strengthened in some way and I take a step of faith too. I get out of the boat to walk on water to Jesus.

Unfortunately, all too often, I am like Peter. I get a little ways out, and I see all that is around me, the storm that I am in and I loose sight of Jesus. I start to sink. I then, always, hear the Lord say to me as He said to Peter in Matthew 14 verse 31, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I am faced with that question a lot. Why did I doubt? I know the Lord can do all things and I know He will take care of me. There is no reason to doubt. I will strive to have faith and not doubt.

Day 281

What an ultimate act of faith by the disciples. Luke 9 verses 1 through 6 describe how Jesus sent out the disciples to spread His teachings to Israel. However, Jesus had some requirements. Luke 9 verse 3 says, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, and do not have two tunics."

To me that is the ultimate act of faith, to devote your entire life to spreading the Gospel but not taking any supplies. They are to trust completely for their everyday needs.

I can learn a lot from Jesus's charge and the disciples's faith. The disciples left knowing they would be taken care of, even when they had nothing. It is a tough lesson for me, but I too am learning to trust. I know that it is through Christ that I am taken care of. I thank Him and continue to hand over everything to Him.

Day 280

I am consistently amazed at the faith of others. A woman suffering from a disease for the past 12 years could not be healed by any doctors or anyone else. But she had the faith to just touch the cloak of Jesus and she knew that she would be healed.

When Jesus confronted her about touching His cloak, she responded with why she touched Him and also let Him know that she was immediately healed!

Then Jesus responds in Luke 8 verse 48, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."

That is interesting. Her faith has made her well. This implies that if she had touched Jesus's cloak and not believed, she would not have been healed.

I wonder how many opportunities are missed by us when we do not believe. I wonder how many blessings are available to us that we do not receive because we do not have faith.

It is only by faith that we live in Christ.

Day 279

I love the story of how Jesus calms the storm. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat and a storm arises. The waves get bigger, the wind gets stronger and the boat is starting to take on water. The disciples awake a sleeping Jesus and confront about the storm.

Matthew 8 verses 26 and 27 say, "And He said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?' Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, 'What sort of a man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?'"

I know quite often I run to Jesus, concerned or frightened about one thing or another. And each time Jesus comes back and says, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"

Why am I afraid? Why do I worry? Is my faith that small? I am finding out that it is all about faith and trust. I need to work on having both.

Day 278

I feel that I can relate to the parable of the sower. Mark 4 verses 18 and 19 say, "And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desire for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."

I have a strong base in the word. I have been raised as a Christian all my life. But I continue to falter in my faith as the cares and concerns of this world choke my faith. I worry about finances and safety and many other things that deter me from true faith.

However, I am working on ridding myself of these things that choke my faith. It is not an easy process, but it is a rewarding one. I desire to have the kind of faith that never can be swayed and I am getting there.

Don't be afraid or unwilling to take on the process of removing the cares and concerns of life that choke one's faith. It is far more rewarding and worth while.

Day 277

I think it is sometimes difficult to fully understand the power of the Lord. However, the centurion knew the power of Christ in Luke 7.

The centurion's servant was very ill, and when he heard that Jesus was near, he sent messengers to Him requesting that He heal his servant. Luke 7 verses 6 through 7 say, "And Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, 'Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.'"

Luke 7 verse 9 says, "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed Him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."

This centurion understood not only was Jesus all powerful, he also understood that Jesus was worthy of honor and respect and he knew that he was not worthy to have Jesus step into his house.

Do we go to the Lord in this kind of humbleness? Do we look at the Lord in this kind of light? I have to keep in mind that the Lord is worthy of all honor and praise and I am not worthy of even having Him speak to me. However, it is by His grace and mercy that He is mindful of us and loves us! What an amazing Lord!

Day 276

Again, God speaks to me and tells me exactly what I need to hear. He tells me He is in control.

As I stated before, I worry. I worry about many things. But this passage hits home. Matthew 6 verses 25 through 34 says, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life...Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?...Therefore, do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'...for your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself."

This is a long excerpt but it says so much! Jesus is saying do not worry! The birds are not near as important as you, but the Lord takes care of them. Why do we think the Lord will not take care of us just the same? Also, why worry about material things? The Lord knows that we need them all!

And here's the key: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Seek after the Lord and He will take care of you.

I have to have faith that the Lord will take care of all of my needs. I just have to have faith and seek after Him!

Day 275

Jesus is good at hitting on the points I need the most. Today, Jesus is talking about lending money in Luke 6 verses 34 through 35. He says, "And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great..."

Lend to others and do not expect anything in return! Whoa! That is a new concept for me. But I think Jesus is saying to give your money away. If you do, your reward will be great.

This is tough for me because once again, I am bound by what I understand. The way I look at this is if I give money away, that means I have less than before. How then can my reward be great? But Jesus is the giver of all blessings and He can do anything. He is the one that blesses me and He works outside the scope of what I understand.

I need to give often and happily knowing that the Lord will take care of me in all ways and in all things.

Day 274

I have to laugh at the Pharisees. In Matthew 12, they were so focused on the Law and so focused on their religion, they completely missed what was happening right in front of them!

In Matthew 12 verses 9 through 14, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. However, Jesus did this on a Sunday. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for this because Jesus wasn't following the Law doing work on a Sunday. They completely overlooked the fact that Jesus healed a man's withered hand right in front of them! They were so concerned about the Law and their religion, they didn't see the miracle that took place.

I wonder how often we do the same thing. I wonder how often we get too tied up in the routine of our church services or too tied up in the everyday, that we completely miss the work of Jesus. I find the best place to see the work of the Lord is in church where His children come together to give Him glory. I also see His glory every day in the colorful trees in autumn, or in the wind that is invisible, but its effects are seen everywhere.

I need to work on looking for and seeing the Lord in all places and in all things, because I know He is absolutely everywhere and in all things. I cannot get distracted by routines and everyday occurrences, but I have to look. Then I will see the glory of the Lord!

Day 273

In today's reading, Jesus heals a leper. In this story, I admire the faith that this leper has. I think he could not have asked Jesus to heal him in a more perfect way.

Luke 5 verse 12 says, "While Jesus was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.'"

This man knew that Jesus could heal him. There was no doubt in his mind! He knew that it was up to Jesus to determine if he would heal the leper or not. Therefore, the leper asked if Jesus would heal him, not if Jesus could.

Quite often, we come to the Lord asking if He can do something. This is wrong. We must go to the Lord knowing he can do anything, but also knowing it is up to the Lord to do it or not.

When I pray, I must pray with the confidence of knowing that He can do all that I ask and more, and pray that the Lord will, not that the Lord can.

Day 272

In today's reading, Jesus calls his first disciples. Mark 1 verses 16 through 18 say, "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men.' And immediately they left their nets and followed Him."

Two things I find interesting about this passage. The first is that Jesus was just passing by. It sounds to me like Simon and Andrew did not know Jesus very well, but still they followed Him when He called.

The second thing I find interesting is the last line. It says, "immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Immediately, without delay. They didn't even think about it, they just did it.

I quite often wonder if I have that kind of faith, where if I hear the Lord call, will I immediately drop everything and follow Him? I have to make sure that I listen for Him and immediately follow where He leads me.

Day 271

I found it interesting that both Jesus' disciples and John's disciples were baptizing people in the same area. More people were going to be baptized by Jesus' disciples and John's disciples were jealous. They were also concerned that Jesus was not qualified to be baptizing people.

John responded in John 3 verse 30 saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

In other words, that is okay! That is the way it should be! John realized that his purpose was to glorify the Lord. His purpose was to lift Jesus up, while lessening himself.

I want to make sure that I do this as much as possible to. Do I lift the Lord up and give Him the glory and the credit while I lessen myself? Or do I take the credit when the credit belongs to the Lord?

I have to be aware that the Lord is the one who deserves the glory. He is the one who blessed me with the gifts that I have. All that I do is because He equipped me to do it. He must increase, but I must decrease.

Day 270

I always wondered how Jesus knew so much of the Bible and of all that He was supposed to do. But here in Mark 1 it may be explained for me.

After Jesus was baptized, He was led to the wilderness to be tempted. He was out there 40 days. Mark 1 verse 13 says, "And He was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to Him."

I find it interesting that even Jesus needed to be ministered to and taught.

Sometimes I am closed minded to being ministered to or to being taught of the word. However, it is humbling to hear that even Jesus needed to be ministered to and taught.

I will try to openly accept new teachings of the word when it deepens my relationship with the Lord.

Day 269

There are so many things being bombarded at us in these scripture readings, it is difficult to pinpoint one thing.

However, once again, one thing that struck me was Joseph. They just had Jesus about 2 years ago, enough time to get settled into a place, and he then has a dream. Matthew 2 verse 13 says, "...An angel of the lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you...'"

Whoa! That would be so difficult for him. He had to pack up his life and his family and move to Egypt; a different country! I can't imagine what he told Mary!

What faith he must have had to follow where the Lord led him! It reminds me that I am not here on this Earth to do what I want to do or follow my own whims. But instead I am here to accomplish all that the Lord has set for me to do. I am here to follow Him and to glorify Him. Period!

Day 268

What a trying time for Joseph! He found out that his new wife was expecting however, he had not known her yet! His only assumption was that it was by another man! Conception by the Holy Spirit was not heard of in his day.

So Joseph had a plan. He knew that the baby was not his. Matthew 1 verse 19 says, "And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly."

But then God steps in. Matthew 1 verse 20 says, "But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"

I can't imagine what Joseph was thinking after that! It had to be difficult for him. I am sure he doubted on occasion as is natural for all of mankind. But Joseph stuck with Mary and was the earthly father to our Lord and Savior.

Sometimes the Lord calls us to things that are not in our comfort zone. They may be difficult, but in the end, multiple blessings result. I have to remember not to say no to the tough things God requires.

Day 267

We start out already in the first reading of the New Testament with 2 miracles both presented by the angel Gabriel.

The first is Elizabeth conceiving in her old age. She was considered baron, however, the Lord was able to provide a son. This was so much a shock, Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband, did not believe Gabriel. In response to this, Zechariah was not able to talk until the birth of the baby.

The second miracle was with Mary. Her conception is also considered miraculous since she was a virgin. The angel explains that not only is Mary going to be expecting, but Elizabeth is also in her 6th month after being considered baron.

To sum it all up, the angel Gabriel states in Luke 1 verse 37, "For nothing will be impossible with God."

Wow! Well put! Nothing is impossible with God.

It is sometimes easy to forget how awesome and wonderful the Lord is! But I think it is imperative to keep in mind that nothing is impossible with God!

Day 266

To me, this is the culmination of all that I have read so far. Today is the last day of the Old Testament.

At the beginning of this commitment, I said that out of this study I wanted to trust in the Lord more. After looking back at the lessons I have pulled from the verses read, I see that the Lord was strongly speaking to me to trust. Trust and He will bless me.

The place where I found this to be the most difficult was with my finances. And this continues to be my primary struggle. Trusting God with my health and safety are large steps in the right direction, but trusting God with my finances continues to be my primary struggle.

I have given even my finances over to the Lord, but I find myself still trying to clutch on.

And that is why the reading for today, the last reading of the Old Testament, is perfect for me today.

Malachi 3 verses 10 through 12 says, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. And thereby put Me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I were not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it would not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts."

This passage says so much. First it commands to bring the full tithe, not just part. It also challenges us to put the Lord to the test! It says to challenge the Lord if you do not believe. It says the Lord will keep the devourer away and all nations will call us blessed!

I accept the Lord's challenge! I bring the full tithe to Him and trust Him for all of my finances! I am letting my finances go too! It is ALL HIS!

Day 265

I like Nehemiah's last plea to close out his book.

Chapter 13 verse 31 says, "Remember me, O my God, for good."

Very plainly put. It is a plea to the Lord to remember him in a good and pleasing way.

I too make a plea to the Lord to remember me in a pleasing way. Remember me for the good. Remember me and take me to your kingdom when I pass on from this life. Remember me.

Day 264

I find it interesting that many of the large decisions made in scripture were done by casting lots.

I see this as wholly trusting the Lord to influence the decision being made because only He could control how the decisions went.

I am working on becoming this trusting in the Lord and have made great strides already. But at the same time, I have a long way to go.

I will continue to wholly trust in the Lord as He calls us and desires us to do.

Day 263

Once the people were settled and heard the Law of the Lord read to them, they heard of the feast of booths. This was not practiced for many years, but it was found in the law.

Therefore, the people decided to celebrate the feast of booths. This consisted of living in booths or temporary shelters and focusing on the Lord.

Chapter 9 verse 3 says, "And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God."

I think that is a great idea, to take time apart from the everyday routine and spend a quarter of the day reading from the Bible, and another quarter of the day worshiping the Lord!

Today, many people may find this difficult because they are too busy, or any number of excuses. It doesn't have to be a week, but maybe a day. I think it would be great just to set apart a large chunk of time to devote to the Lord! He deserves it!

Day 262

I think it is pretty cool what the series of events is that took place.

After much struggle, the wall to the city was finished, the people returned, and, most importantly, the first thing after everyone is moved in is Ezra reads the law for the people.

This time around, they are making it a point to have a firm foundation in the Lord and are blessing God and worshiping Him.

Not only is the law read, but there are priests going through the people explaining what is being read so the people fully understand. That is even more important.

This shows me that it is so important to have a foundation in the Lord. Also to have a good foundation in God's word. Only then can one stand.

Day 261

There were a few verses that hit me as being very interesting in the reading for today. Nehemiah 6 verses 15 and 16 say, "So the wall was finished...in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God."

I think it is so cool that other people saw the work that was done and realized that the Lord was part of it. They saw that their God was with them and "fell greatly in their own esteem." What a way to show the power and presence of the Lord than through the work that one does.

I pray that others will see the work that I do and see the Lord is with me. I also pray that others will realize this and humble themselves before the Lord.

Day 260

Once again it amazes me how the Lord uses anyone to fulfill His plan.

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king. He found favor with the king, but was upset because the city of Jerusalem was in ruin. The king saw that Nehemiah was upset and asked what he could do. Nehemiah proposed that the king write letters to command others to let Nehemiah reach Jerusalem, and also to supply Nehemiah with the materials needed to rebuild Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 2 verse 8 says, "And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me."

Nehemiah recognizes that what he is doing is in line with the Lord's will and plan and he also recognizes that probably under normal circumstances the king would have said no. But Nehemiah also recognizes that the hand of the Lord is upon him.

Not only does the Lord use everyday people to do extraordinary things, but He also is capable of so much more! Every day I find out more and more how wonderful the Lord is!

Day 259

I continue to see that all things are possible through the Lord.

Ezra is noted as a man who was "skilled in the Law of Moses." He studied the word of the Lord and ingrained it upon his heart.

Ezra 7 verse 6 says, "...The king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him."

I look for statements like these in the Bible because I like to see what happens when the Lord is with someone, or when the hand of the Lord is on them. Ezra was a scribe who was granted all that he asked from the king! With this, Ezra was able to fulfill the Lord's plan.

I pray that the Lord is with me and has His hand on me. I pray that He equips me with all I need to fulfill His plan.

Day 258

I cannot imagine the shame that Haman must have felt when he was taking Mordecai through the city on a horse proclaiming what a good man Mordecai was.

Haman was intending to ask the king to hang Mordecai, but instead was presented with a question. Esther 6 verse 6 says, "So Haman came in, and the king said to him, 'What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?' And Haman said to himself, 'Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?'"

Haman described to the king what I'm sure was his desire of a way to be honored. The king said, "Go and do all that you have described for Mordecai!"...Ouch!

I find quite often that when I start to think I am more than what I am, the Lord humbles me. It is usually something like tripping on my own feet or another embarrassing moment that reminds me that I am not that great. However, I am the Lord's child and I take great comfort in that fact.

Day 257

What a story of Esther. And what words spoken by Mordecai in Chapter 4 verse 14.

Esther was being raised by Mordecai, her uncle, since she did not have a father or mother. Mordecai was one of those who were exiled from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Esther was chosen by the king to be his queen in place of Vashti who disobeyed the king.

Esther was a Jew but kept her background a secret. Haman along with the king issued an edict to kill all Jews, young and old.

Mordecai went to Esther for help because she was in a position with the king to find favor. However, it was a risk that could take her life.

But Mordecai says in Chapter 4 verse 14, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

I think this is one of the best lines in the Bible. There were so many events that led up to Esther being queen exactly at the time the edict was issued. Mordecai was wise in seeing that Esther being queen at this particular time was no coincidence.

I have to make sure that my eyes are open in seeing that I am where I am at this particular time for a reason. The Lord has me where I am to complete His plan. I have to make sure that when it is time for me to act, that I see and I act.

I pray that the Lord gives me the insight to see these times and also the courage to act.

Day 256

I believe the Lord has a tough love for those who can handle it.

Zechariah 13 verse 9 says, "And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon My name and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are My people'; and they will say, 'The Lord is my God.'"

They Lord will put his people into the fire; into trials. And through that, He will refine us; make us pure; make us beautiful. He will test us to the highest standards to ensure we are perfect. We will be the Lord's people and He will be our God!

Through all of life's trials, I remember that the Lord is refining me and making me pure for Him!

Day 255

I still find it amazing that the Lord put it on the hearts of the kings. King Darius is petitioned for more resources to continue building of the temple, but he is unaware that this was being funded by him. So, in the letter sent to him, he was asked to look in the archives for a decree issued by the previous king Cyrus to rebuild the temple.

This decree was found by King Darius. After finding it, he made a decree in Ezra chapter 6 verses 8 and 9. It says, "The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute to the province from beyond the River. And whatever is needed - bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require - let that be given to them day by day without fail..."

This blows me away! For God to place on the heard of King Darius to not only provide what was needed financially, but also as far as livestock to honor the Lord, shows that the Lord can provide. This was not a cheap endeavor but the king paid for it all and more!

This shows me that the Lord will provide for those following His will and trusting in Him.

Day 254

In Zechariah chapter 3, Zechariah has a vision of Joshua the High Priest. Joshua is standing before an angel of the Lord and Satan is standing next to him to accuse him.

Chapter 3 verses 2 through 4 say, "And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!...' And the angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Remove the filthy garments from him.' And to him he said, 'Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.'"

What a great picture of what the Lord did for us as well! He has stripped us of our filthy garments; our iniquities, and has put on pure garments. He has washed us clean and made us pure in His eyes.

Thank you Lord for making me pure.

Day 253

I have never dove into the short book of Haggai, however, one verse caught my attention.

Haggai 1 verse 9 says, "You looked for much,and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?...Because of My house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house."

This verse got me thinking. The Lord's house lies in ruins. This spoke to me and I thought of what exactly the Lord's house is. I think in this particular verse, it means literally the temple of the Lord. However, I believe it can also mean other things too. I believe it can mean the church, one's family, one's friends and even one's body.

I wonder how many more blessings are in store for us if we repaired the Lord's house; if we focused our families solely on the Lord, if we helped out friends, family and neighbors in need, and ensured the church is strong.

I need to focus on building and repairing the Lord's house, so He can work in me and others.

Day 252

I often get blown away by the power of the Lord. In the reading for yesterday and today, after hearing the king's call for all of the Israelites to return to their home to rebuild and restore, it is recorded that 42,360 men!

First of all, it is shocking that a king would allow for those who were exiled to return to their home land. Second of all, it is not just a few people here and there, it is several people!

It is crazy to think that all this occurred 70 years after the exile, just as predicted. Not only is it a good thing to see the faithfulness of the Lord and to see how He keeps His word, but it also shows his majesty and power. What an all powerful God!

Day 251

Another favorite story of mine is Daniel and the Lion's Den. Daniel's colleagues tricked the king into signing a decree which they knew would lead to Daniel being thrown into the lion's den. They knew Daniel had the kind of faith that could not be swayed by decrees made by the king.

So Daniel was caught praying to the Lord rather than the king and was thrown into the lion's den. I feel somewhat bad for the king, because he could not go back on the decree that he made, but it also led to him throwing his friend and good worker into the den.

However, the next morning, the king raced to the den and had it opened and found Daniel alive and unharmed. Daniel 6 verse 23 says, "So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."

That is so cool! It was Daniel's trust in the Lord that kept him safe from the lions. And it is my trust in the Lord that keeps me safe in all circumstances. The Lord is watching over me, and I thank the Lord for His continued faithfulness and love toward me.

Day 250

In the reading for today, Daniel talks about the next king, King Belshazzar. This kings had a feast at his house where he invited several guests.

The king was running out of places to put his wine and came up with items from the Lord's Temple that was plundered by the Babylonians. This angered the Lord and, because of this, the Lord sent the writing on the wall to warn the king that his land shall be captured and divided.

Also in this reading, Daniel gives a summary of what was spoken. Chapter 5 verse 23 says, "But the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored."

What a description! The God whose hand is my breath. I love this illustration. We cannot live without breathing and the Lord's hand is my breath. I cannot live without the Lord's hand directing and guiding my life.

Thank you Lord for being faithful to me and being my breath; for being my life.

Day 249

The last chapters of Ezekiel describe how the land is to be divided for each tribe of Israel. He goes into detail about the land that is to be set apart for the temple of the Lord. Ezekiel 48 verse 35 states, "...And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is There."

This reminds me of us as Christians. We are bodies set apart for the Lord. Our bodies are temples of the Lord because His spirit is in us.

Would we live differently if we knew that our names were "The Lord is There", or "The Lord is with Him"? I think I would...I think I should.

Day 248

Ezekiel is going through the rules and laws of the new temple in today's reading.

I found it interesting what I read in chapter 46 verse 13, "You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish, for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it."

What struck me about this was the word daily. This was not on occasion, but every day.

I believe this still relates to us today. The Lord calls us to worship and praise Him, daily. He calls us to acknowledge He is the Lord, daily. Every day the Lord is present and working in our lives.

I thank the Lord for being my daily provider and my ever present help in time of need. I will praise Him and acknowledge He is Lord every day.

Day 247

In the reading for today, the Lord shows the Ezekiel the specifications for the new temple. The Lord lays out the dimensions of it, then He specifies what is required to purify the altars for further sacrifice.

Ezekiel 43 verse 22 says, "...you shall offer a male goat without blemish for a sin offering; and the altar shall be purified..."

The purification of the altar required a sacrifice without blemish. This reminds me of Jesus Christ. He was the sacrifice in our place that purified us in the eyes of the Lord! He was without blemish, and pure. This was the only acceptable sacrifice to take our place.

Thank you, Jesus, for taking our place on the cross as the sacrifice without blemish.

Day 246

King Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. It was a great nation with many people in it. However, King Nebuchadnezzar became proud. Daniel chapter 4 verse 30 says, "...Is not this great Babylon, which i have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?"

He sees himself as untouchable. But God knows better. The Lord sent Nebuchadnezzar away. After his time in the wilderness, Nebuchadnezzar says in verse 37, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, extol the King of Heaven, for all His works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride He is able to humble."

Those who walk in pride, He is able to humble. That is a statement! King Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way that the Lord is the almighty one and worthy to be praised. Do not take credit for something that the praise should go to the Lord for. Give the Lord the glory!

I am going to learn from the example of King Nebuchadnezzar and give the Lord the glory! He is worthy and I am not. I will continue to do my best to not take credit for things where the credit goes to the Lord.

Day 245

My God is a fair God. He is a just God and a loving God.

1 Chronicles 5 describes the half-tribe of Manasseh. They became very numerous, however, as their numbers grew, they broke faith with the Lord and chased after evil.

As a result, the Lord placed on the king of Assyria's heart to take the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. The Lord punished them for straying away from the Him.

It is a tough love. The Lord punishes us because He loves us. He wants us to know when we do wrong so we can learn from it and draw closer to Him. That is what love is.

Day 244

How horrible it must have been for the Israelites to be exiled from their country.

Psalm 137 describes it like I have never heard it before. It is a musician speaking in this Psalm. In verse 3, he says, "For there our captors required of us songs...saying, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!'"

The musician's reply was that of sorrow and shame. He asks in verse 4, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" To him it is like forgetting where he came from.

In verses 5 and 6 he continues, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth..."

What sorrow they must have gone through for a musician to say for his had to forget how to play music, and his tongue to no longer be able to sing.

But the same could be true for me. Should I not be just as sorrowful when Satan pulls me away from my Lord? If I no longer am able to sing and to praise my Lord, should I be able to sing at all? Only the Lord deserves to be praised, and when the Devil turns me away from the Lord, it would be better not to sing.

Only my Lord is worthy of praise.

Day 243

Another one of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in the reading today. It is where Ezekiel prophesies to the dry bones in the valley and they come to life!

Ezekiel 37 describes this event and how Ezekiel prophesies to the bones and the bones come together, tendons and skin cover them, however, there was no breath in them. Ezekiel had to prophesy to the breath to enter them so they may truly live.

This reminds me of man. We are a collection of bones, tendons, muscles and skin. However, we are not truly alive without the breath of the Lord in us. Ezekiel 37 verse 14 says, "And I will put my Spirit withing you, and you shall live..."

I thank the Lord for breathing in me; for filling me with His Spirit, so that I may truly be alive. I pray that others will also be filled with the breath of the Lord and truly live.

Day 242

What a loving and merciful God we serve! Ezekiel 34 talks about the people of the Lord being scattered like sheep with no shepherd. They fall away from the Lord.

But Ezekiel 34 verse 11 says, "...Behold I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out."

If one of the Lord's sheep, one of His children, wanders away, the Lord Himself will seek them out! What a loving God to not give up on us, even if we try to give up on Him! God has a love for us that we cannot comprehend. If we wander away, He is going to search for us!

What a comfort to know that the Lord is my God and He will not let me wander, but will chase after me and seek me out if I wander astray. What a loving God I serve!

Day 241

Once again in today's reading, I find how just the Lord is. In Jeremiah 44, the people are asking why they are in exile. They are asking why they are suffering and why the Lord does not give them their land back.

Jeremiah 44 verse 23 gives the reply. It says, "It is because you made offerings and because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey the voice of the Lord or walk in His law and in His statutes and in His testimonies that this disaster has happened to you, as at this day."

Plain and simple; the events that happened were because they sinned against the Lord.

I wonder how often the bad things that happen to me are because of my sin. Is it all of the bad things? Is it some of them?

To me it does not matter. I believe the Lord does punish me for my sins on a daily basis and I know that He is just in His punishments. I thank the Lord for loving me enough to punish me. For punishment and discipline from a just God only makes me more righteous.

Day 240

The Lord is also the great humbler.

Obadiah is speaking of Edom and how they feel they can't be defeated. However, they have become too proud. Obadiah verses 2 and 3 say, "Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you..."

I like that statement; The pride of your heart has deceived you. That is a humbling statement.

I wonder how often this statement can be used with me. I wonder how often I become too proud. However, I know that the Lord is with me. He will keep me humble and mold me into what He wants me to be.

I have to be conscious about not being too proud.

Day 239

What a just and loving God we serve!

Israel was a sinful nation that needed to be punished. It had to pay for the sins it had committed. However, Lamentations 3, verses 32 and 33 say, "Though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; for He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men."

The Lord causes grief. He allows for the bad things to happen as punishment, or as part of His plan. However, He will have compassion, because of His love for us! He does not willingly afflict us. He is not a God that delights in the suffering of His children. But instead, He allows bad things to happen in order to shape us, or punish us as needed.

He is just in that He punishes us when we need it. However, He is also loving in that He does not willingly afflict us, but instead, He has compassion and love for us.

He has the perfect balance of justice and love beyond measure!

Day 238

Wow. Even in war, the Lord delivers!

Jeremiah is in Judah when the Babylonians come to capture the city. The king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) sends most of the people into exile, however, he has something special for Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 39 verses 12 is the king giving orders on what to do with Jeremiah. It says, "'Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you.'"

Jeremiah 39 verse 18 says, "'For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in Me, declares the Lord.'"

King Nebuchadnezzar is going to take over Judah, but the Lord protects Jeremiah from them! I also like the way Jeremiah puts this last verse. You shall have your life as a prize for war, because you have put your trust in Me, declares the Lord.

Because Jeremiah put his trust in the Lord, you will have your life.

I also wanted to note the order in which this occurs. It says, "Because you have put your trust in Me." This imples that one must trust the Lord first, in order for receive your prize, or reward.

I quite often get it backwards and say, "Lord, if You bless me with..., I will trust in You always." The problem is, the Lord blesses us when we trust Him first! I have to keep this in mind, especially when praying.

Day 237

I think it is so cool how the Lord takes care of us and makes His presence known.

Ezekiel 28 verse 24 says, "And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord."

Through the Lord's protection of Israel from its neighbors, the Lord will show His presence.

I really like how Ezekiel states that; there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors. The Lord will protect them from even the smallest of annoyances.

It is a comfort to me knowing that I have a God who protects me from those who are to harm me. It is also a comfort to know that the Lord pursues me and shows me each day that He is the Lord. I thank the Lord for being so invested in me.

Day 236

Again, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to His people.

The people of Israel and Judah deserve to be punished for their wickedness. That is why the Lord is allowing Nebuchadnezzar to take over Israel and Judah. However, Jeremiah 32 verses 37, 38 and 40 say, "I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God...I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of Me in their hearts, that they may not turn from Me."

The Lord has promised that we are His and He is ours. He will not turn from us if we are faithful to Him! What a comfort that is to know that I am the Lord's and He is mine!

What an amazing and faithful God I serve!

Day 235

Ezekiel is talking to the Pharaoh in Egypt with words from the Lord in Ezekiel 29 verses 9 and 10 when he says, "Because you said, 'The Nile is mine, and I made it,' therefore, behold, I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation..."

From reading this, Pharaoh believed himself to be greater than the Lord. He took credit for things that the Lord deserved credit for. Because of this, the Lord was against Pharaoh and made the land of Egypt a waste.

This is rather powerful considering how many times I may take credit for things that really the Lord deserves credit for. The Lord has blessed me with all the abilities I have, and to take credit for anything takes away from the Lord. The Lord ruined Egypt for this!

If one is to boast, boast in the Lord!

I have to remember this in each day.

Day 234

Part of the way through Ezekiel chapter 23, I realized that Oholah and Oholibah are actually metaphors for Samaria and Jerusalem.

All of chapter 23 explains how God sees the sins of His people. He sees them lusting over the ways of the Assyrians and the Babylonians; worshiping their idols and intermarrying.

The Lord saw this as a spouse or a lover cheating on Him! He compared them to prostitutes and eventually handed them over to their evil ways, which in reality was when the Babylonians overtook them.

I often wonder how the Lord sees me and my actions. I do sin and sometimes, I lust over the ways of those who are not Christians. I am tempted too. I wonder how this makes the Lord feel. He gave so much for me, but I so quickly turn from Him and chase after temporary indulgences that I know displease Him.

I will try to keep in mind the thoughts of the Lord and how He sees sin as cheating on Him! I will continue to do all I can to chase after the Lord alone.

Day 233

Today there was a verse that spoke to me. It is a unique verse, but I believe it says something important.

Ezekiel 20 verse 39 says, "As for you, O house of Israel, thus says the Lord God: Go serve every one of you his idols, now and hereafter, if you will not listen to me; but My holy name you shall no more profane with your gifts and your idols."

To me, the Lord is saying if one will not listen and obey and be righteous, okay. But do not speak of Me or act in My name. This profanes Me.

If someone is not righteous, do not claim to be a child of God! This only brings the Lord down and does not give Him glory. We must be good examples of the Lord and be righteous to speak of Him and claim Him as our Lord and Savior.

Day 232

Ezekiel 18 verses 21 to 24 say, "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all My statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die."

This emphasizes the Lord's just nature. If someone turns from being sinful to being righteous, he is saved! However, if someone turns from being righteous to being sinful, he shall not live. With these verses, hope is brought to the sinful and a reality is brought to believers.

One line in this passage struck me. The Lord says, "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?" The Lord does not want to see souls die! He is a loving God that cares for Children! He does not want to see the sinful die, but, as I said before, He is just and in His infinite wisdom, knows that they must.

I thank God for His just nature and the hope for all sinners and commit to Him to always strive to be righteous.

Day 231

I believe one of the things God calls us to do is to be a good example of the Lord to others. We must show what a Christian looks like and acts like.

Ezekiel 16 describes an Israel who was not living up to the example that was expected. Chapter 16 verses 51 and 52 say, "Samaria has not committed half your sins. You have committed more abominations than they, and have made your sisters appear righteous by all the abominations that you have committed. Bear your disgrace...Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they..."

Non believers were acting more upright and Godly than the Lord's chosen people. They were an embarrassment to the Lord. So the Lord said to bear their disgrace. Take responsibility for your actions and be a good example of the Lord.

I always try to relate the reading to myself and I wonder how often I am a disgrace to the Lord by my example. I believe I have not been doing as well as I expect out of myself lately.

This is also something I am continually working on in order better display the joy I have in Him, and to demonstrate to others what a joy it is to be a child of the Lord!

Day 230

Ezekiel 11 verses 14 through 25 describes the restoration of Israel. It says all the inhabitants of Israel will be called back and the Lord will work in their hearts.

Ezekiel 11 verses 19 and 20 say, "And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh that they may walk in My statutes and keep My rules and obey them. And they shall be My people and I will be their God."

I think there are a few things to note here. First, the Lord gives a new heart and a new spirit. It does not come from what we do, but from the Lord. Also, once the Lord gives a new heart and a new spirit, they shall be the Lord's people and the Lord will be their God.

Salvation and grace is not given by anything we do, but instead, by what the Lord does! All He asks is that we trust and have faith. What a great and generous God!

Day 229

How insulting it must have been for the Lord in Ezekiel's day!

The people of Israel had forgotten the Lord. They would be in the Lord's temple, yet worshiping the sun rather than to the Lord! (Ezekiel chapter 8)

The people of Israel were forgetting God and bowing down to idols. This angered the Lord and He told Ezekiel that He would kill those who did not worship Him and have their bodies lay before their idols.

Ezekiel 6 verse 7 says, "And the slain shall fall in your midst, and you shall know that I am the Lord."

The Lord does not want to be insulted! He wants us to know that He is the Lord and there is no other! I know the Lord is the only God and I will serve Him only.

Day 228

In chapter 3, Ezekiel is getting his assignment for being a prophet of the Lord. He is being assigned the souls of the house of Israel. It is his responsibility to warn them of bad things to come.

After Ezekiel gets his assignment from the Lord, chapter 3 verse 22 says, "The hand of the Lord was upon me there. And He said to me, 'Arise...'"

The Lord put his hand on him. The Lord made it physically known to Ezekiel that the Lord is with him and he is doing the Lord's will.

I do not believe the Lord has made it physically known to me that He is with me, but He has shown me many other signs.

I am confident I am right where the Lord wants me, and I look forward to what He has in store for me!

Day 227

Ezekiel lived in Babylon and was called by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. Ezekiel saw a glimpse of the Glory of the Lord when he saw the creatures. The creatures sparkled like burnished bronze. Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal.

These are just a glimpse of the glory that makes up the Lord. I cannot imagine what the day will be like when I see my Lord in heaven with all those who have gone before me. I look forward to seeing all creatures glorifying God!

I will continue to pray for that day.

Day 226

I can't imagine how bad things must have been when a king was in place that did not chase after the Lord's heart. The times of Zedekiah were no exception. He also did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.

2 Kings 24 verse 20 says, "For because of the anger of the Lord it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that He cast them out from His presence."

They were a people that turned away from the Lord and therefore, the Lord was no longer with them. I can't imagine what it would be like without the Lord! To me, that would be the scariest experience to be in a place where the Lord is not there!

I thank the Lord for His forgiveness and for His never ending love for me. I promise to chase after Him always.

Day 225

How wonderful my God is! Jeremiah 31 verses 18 and 20 say, "I have heard Ephraim grieving...Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he My darling child?...Therefore My heart yearns for him..."

My God is a loving God who hears me. I am His dear son, His darling child! The Lord's heart yearns for me!

The Lord has such a love for His children that He yearns for us! What a wonderful, loving God I serve!

Day 224

One of the most quoted verses in the Bible can be found in Jeremiah 29 verse 11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

There are are two words that I long for and do not want to worry about; future and hope. I do not know what the future may bring, but this verse reminds me that the Lord has plans for me to give me a future and hope. I must not worry because the Lord already has my future taken care of and worked out!

This is a tough concept still for me, but I will continue to trust in the Lord for my future! Thank you Lord for Your promises to Love me, give me a future, and always be my hope!

Day 223

I always find the Lord's words challenging. Jeremiah 23 verses 23 and 24 say, "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."

I really like it when the Lord speaks in rhetorical questions, because it makes me realize that the questions He asks are always no brainers.

Of course the Lord is a God that is always with us. Of course no one can hide themselves from God. Of course He is the Lord of heaven and earth.

So why do we act the way we do? Why do we act like the Lord is not with us or that He cannot do everything? These actions and thoughts are pointless!

Day 222

Again today, I am reminded to trust. Jeremiah 17 verses 7 and 8 say, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I really like this analogy. The man who trusts is like a tree that sends its roots out by the stream. With a strong root system, the tree cannot be shaken and can withstand anything that is brought upon it.

Plain and simple; trust in the Lord and you will be able to withstand.

Day 221

There was a verse that struck me this morning. Jeremiah 13 verse 23 says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to doing evil."

This is an interesting concept to me. It is saying that if one practices evil, or if one is accustomed to sinning, how can that person do good? How can that person be pure?

I am finding that living for Christ is a continuous act and practice, not just when people are around or when I am at church. I believe that is what this verse is saying too. If one does not practice good, how can good come from them?

This is good to think about and work on. How can we be good examples to others for Christ when we are not good examples of Christ at home?

Day 220

This is interesting; The same theme I saw in Daniel yesterday is in Jeremiah today.

Jeremiah 9 verses 23 and 24 say, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."

The only thing worth boasting of is the Lord. All other things come from Him. For He is a God who delights in steadfast love, justice and righteousness; a great way to summarize the Lord. If we are to boast, boast about these things. That is what truly delights the Lord.

Day 219

I find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego amazing. The Lord spared them from the fiery furnace which was heated to seven times more than it usually was.

I noticed something significant while reading this story. When these three men were before the king explaining themselves and why the would not bow down to the statue the king had made, the king threatened to throw them into the furnace if they did not bow down.

Daniel 3 verse 17 says, "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king."

As 1 Corinthians 1:31 says, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." These men claimed their salvation in Christ and He delivered!

I have to remember that the Lord is there and can do so much more than I can imagine. Also, when I boast, I must boast in the Lord. He is the one who has blessed me and can do all things.

Day 218

What a ride Daniel was on! First his city is taken by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Then he is taken and educated. Finally he is brought before the king as a test and he blows the king away!

I bet if you asked Daniel when he was young, if he would believe that he would be standing in front of the king of Babylon, he would have laughed and not believed it. Daniel did not grow up preparing to stand in front of the king of Babylon. He had no idea.

But God did! God had it in His plan all along for Daniel and his friends to be captured, educated then blow the pants off of Nebuchadnezzar! Daniel chapter 1 verse 17 says, "As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

God had it in His plan for Daniel and his three friends to be in front of Nebuchadnezzar and God equipped them with all they needed to impress the king; to fulfill the Lord's plan.

And that holds true for me too. I never thought that I would move to Texas, work in the Aerospace Industry, have a wife and son and one on the way, and do all that I have done, but God did. And the best part of it all is, He equipped me with all I needed to accomplish what He had planned for me!

I continue to trust in Him to equip me with all I need to accomplish what He has in store for me and I know He is with me always and will bless me beyond measure; even more than He already has!

Day 217

If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is people who cannot take criticism or listen to warnings.

In Jeremiah 36, Jeremiah has a scroll written that gives warning to what is coming to Judah and has his scribe present it to the temple where it makes its way to the king. Everyone who hears it believes and is frightened, but once it makes it to king Jeremiah, he ignores it, cuts the scroll up and throws it in the fire.

I wonder how often I receive warnings and criticism but, instead of listening and taking warning, I ignore it and tear down those offering the criticism. I believe the Lord speaks to me through others and that is one way He provides criticism to me.

I have to work on not ignoring the criticism of others, but instead listen and take warning.

Day 216

Why does Judah do evil in the eyes of the Lord? Josiah was king just before and removed all the evil things from the land and restored the Law. Then he dies and it is as though everyone forgets!

Jeremiah was sent along with many others before him to warn Judah of their fate unless they turn from their ways, but the people do not listen. And as a result, they are overtaken and laid captive for 70 years.

I wonder how often the Lord sends someone to warn me, but I do not listen. I get so caught up in the business of every day that I am too busy to see the Lord's gentle tone.

I get frustrated reading about Judah, but I get even more frustrated with myself when I think of the distractions that I face that keep me from focusing on the Lord.

I must continue to focus on the Lord and set Him first in my priority list each day.

Day 215

In the passage for today, Josiah dies. He is killed in battle. I was blown away at how the people reacted to his death.

2 Chronicles 35 verses 24 and 25 say, "All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments."

It has been a while since reading about a reaction like this to a king passing away. I think it is amazing that they made it a rule to mention Josiah in the Laments. It was that sad for them.

This inspires me. I see the impact of what one person chasing after the Lord with all their heart can do. I see what an effect he had on others.

I know God has great things planned for me. I pray that I can fulfill all of the Lord's expectations and make an impact for Him like Josiah did.

Day 214

I really enjoyed reading Habakkuk. He poses some great questions that are still relevant today.

The one that stood out the most for me was the first one. Chapter 1 verse 2 says, "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?"

I have been there too where it seems as though the Lord has left me and is no longer there. I know this isn't true, but sometimes it can seem like it when there is no response.

But the Lord answers Habakkuk in chapter 1 verse 5. It says, "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."

The Lord is doing great things, especially when I feel He is not there. It is on us to open our eyes and look. See Him and be astounded. He is here and doing so much more than I could ever believe! That is my God!

Day 213

The book of Nahum describes destruction and torment of Nineveh. However, it also gives a further description of the Lord.

Nahum 1 verse 3 says, "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power..."

It is such a comfort to me to know that the Lord is slow to anger. I am a sinner, I confess. I know I do not please him on a regular basis. However, I also know that He is slow to anger and has the power to forgive.

I thank the Lord for His slow temper and his ability to forgive.

Day 212

I think I found a new role model in Josiah. He became king at 8 years old and faithfully follows after the Lord's heart.

Josiah ordered for the cleanup and purification of the temple of the Lord. When doing so, the Book of the Covenant was found. After hearing from this book, Josiah gathered all his officials, and all the people together and read the Book of the Covenant. He then committed, along with all the people, to follow what was written in that book.

Josiah, even at his young age, took control, saw a need for reform, and made it so. He took a stand for the Lord.

We can never be too young to take a stand for the Lord. I pray I can be like Josiah and stand up for the Lord when called to do so.

Day 211

In this passage, Jeremiah is talking about the men of Israel and Judah. Both have become sinful in the eyes of the Lord. However, the Lord is merciful and will take them back.

Jeremiah 4 verses 1 and 2 say, "If you return, O Israel...If you remove your detestable things from My presence, and do not waver, and if you swear, 'As the Lord lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory."

Our God is good! Even when we sin and do everything to push the Lord away, He still sticks with us! He says, "If you return to me, purify yourselves and do not waver; if you acknowledge the Lord is above truth, justice and righteousness, then you will be blessed.

That is great news, but also a challenge to purify ourselves, and also believe the Lord is above all things and trust in Him.

I know this is all for the good, so I will continue to strive to trust in Him for everything without wavering.

Day 210

Every time I hear the story of Josiah I am amazed. He became king at age 8! He reigned for 31 years and he followed the Lord through it all without swerving to the right or to the left.

Just a little background that still amazes me; The previous kings were evil and corrupt beyond measure. Manasseh set a bad example, but towards the end of his reign he tried to reconnect with the Lord. He did, but the people did not follow.

Manasseh's son Amon reigned only 2 years before being overthrown by others. He was also evil in the eyes of the Lord. His servants ended up putting him to death and the people of the land killed all those who conspired against king Amon.

This part to me is the kicker; 2 Chronicles 33 verse 25 says, "And the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place."

The people made him the king. He is only 8 years old! This is what amazes me. What did the people see in him to make him king at 8 years old? There had to be so many more men of age, but the people chose someone who was 8 to run the country. However, Josiah did great! He followed the Lord unswervingly.

I wish I were there and knew what possessed the people to make an 8 year old king of an entire nation! What an impression Josiah must have made for the people to put Him in charge. I believe this was the Lord's doing. The Lord knew he would do a great job and the people saw this too.

It makes me think, is the Lord preparing me for something great? Could I handle something like that? Does the Lord trust me that much that He would put me in a position that requires so much responsibility?

I thank God that He has a plan and that I fit in that plan. I thank Him for equipping me with the tools needed to do what He has in store for me. he will not send me in unequipped! I thank the Lord that no matter what happens, or where He leads me, He will be there and He will take care of me! What a comfort! Through these scriptures, I am reminded how great it is to be a child of God!

Day 209

One thing I love about the Lord is that He is always there for me and He is a big part of my life.

Isaiah 64 verse 8 says, "...we are the clay and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand."

God has molded me into who I am which is exactly what He wants me to be. He also continues to mold me and shape me into something better every day through my joys and my sorrows, my frustrations and my relaxations.

I take great comfort in knowing that the Lord has shaped me and continues to shape me into exactly what He wants me to be and exactly what is needed to fulfill what He has planned.

Day 208

Quite often I am ignorant of the battle of good and evil that is ever present. That, in and of itself, may be Satan working in me already.

Isaiah says something profound in chapter 59 verse 15. He says, "...and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey."

Whoa! That means the second I look to the Lord, evil is already working to capture me and bring me back. This is a little scary and eye opening!

Like I said before, I am usually ignorant of the presence of evil all around me and working on me to fall into sin, but I believe that is what Isaiah is trying to point out. If one is aware that evil exists and is always working to get them to sin, it is much easier to defend against evil, with the Lord's help.

I must remain aware that if I am with the Lord, I am prey for the devil. Being aware will help me see and run to the Lord. He is my rescue.

Day 207

There are many names for the Lord. Among those is the name Prince of Peace. I like this name because, to me, it implies that all peace goes through Him.

Isaiah 57 verse 21 says, "'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" If the Lord is the Prince of Peace and all peace goes through Him, which I believe it does, those who do not have their souls rooted in Christ do not know peace.

Peace to me is one of the greatest things about being a Christian. No matter what happens in my life or what situation I am in, I know that the Lord is with me and wherever I am is God's plan. I have no reason to worry, but instead find peace in knowing I am not in control of my life.

Thank you Lord for being the Prince of Peace and the one source for all peace if we only trust in You!

Day 206

I have had 3 of my 4 grandparents pass away. I have had an aunt pass away and several others who were very close to me pass away. Each time it was tough.

But Isaiah offers some advice. He says in chapter 51 verse 12, "I, I am He who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass..."

I like this verse because it is a reality check again for me. The Lord is saying that He is the one who comforts me, so why be afraid of others passing away? The Lord made people to pass away, just like the grass.

God does not promise that others will not pass away, but He does promise that He will be there to comfort us when others do. What an awesome and loving, caring God!

Day 205

Once again, I try too hard to do things myself. I do not trust the Lord as I ought and once again the scripture is there to remind me of this.

Isaiah 45 verse 9 says, "Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles'?"

This to me is a great image of what I am doing to God. I am a piece a pottery criticizing the one who forms me. Why? I always ask myself. All too often I think I know more than God. I try to tell Him what to add to me or take away, but the Lord knows best.

The Lord knows best. What a concept! I will continue to remember that God knows best and work on not criticizing the one forming me to the way He wants me. That to me is not easy!

Day 204

When I dive into the scripture, it provides such comfort. It shows God's love and ensures me that He is always with me.

Isaiah 43 verses 2 and 3 say, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you will not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

When I pass through waters, rivers, trials troubles, circumstances, the Lord will be with me and I will not be overwhelmed. When I walk through fire, though times, I will not be burned or scarred. For the Lord is with me and He is my God and my Savior!

What a comfort! It is good to be reminded of this often. What a great God to always be there for me!

Day 203

This passage shows Hezekiah as a little selfish and proud. When the prince of Babylon came to Hezekiah, Hezekiah showed him all the riches in Jerusalem! Hezekiah was not afraid of the Babylonians lusting over the treasures of Judah.

Later, Isaiah confronted Hezekiah about what he showed the visitors, and then Isaiah gave Hezekiah a prophesy. Isaiah said in 2 Kings 20 verse 17, "Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that your fathers stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord."

Hezekiah's response in verse 19 says, "Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days."

What! That to me seems selfish. Hezekiah seems to be one of the best kings Judah ever had, but that was not the way a king should act.

It is also not the way Christians should act. We are called to be others oriented; especially those in leadership positions.

Also, do not brag about one's riches. It will only lead to destruction. Do not be prideful. "If you are to boast, boast in the Lord." These continue to be my struggles and goals.

Day 202

I believe I can learn a lot from King Hezekiah. He consistently put his faith in the Lord, no matter what.

He also was a great example in other ways. 2 Chronicles 32 verses 22 and 23 say, "So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he provided for them on every side. And many brought gifts to the Lord to Jerusalem and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from that time onward."

I was looking at the statement that says he provided for them on every side. I was trying to figure out who them are, but I couldn't narrow it down. I looked at a few Bible translations, but it was not conclusive. I am not sure if it means only those that are part of Judah, or those in the surrounding areas as well.

However, either way, this ministry that Hezekiah did led many to the Lord. Many brought gifts to the Lord and also Hezekiah was exalted in the sight of all nations. Other nations saw the Lord that Hezekiah served and wanted to serve Him too.

This is the kind of example I try to set every day. I may not be the best at it, but I will continue to try, leaving the Holy Spirit to work in other's hearts.

Day 201

Sometimes, it seems as though the Lord is not there. I know that is horrible to say and also not true, but there are quiet times where I feel more alone. I know it is not that the Lord has left me, but more the opposite. It is that I have doubts, or that I have left Him.

Micah 7 verse 7 says, "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me."

This is a perfect verse for those times where I feel I am far from Him. I will look to the Lord and I will wait. My God will hear me. What a great comfort to know that, even in the times where I feel He is not hear, if I look to the Lord, He will hear me!

Day 200

I find it amazing that so many people do not believe there is a God. All one has to do is look outside and see the wind going through the trees, the animals alive and thriving, and all of creation made to give Him glory.

Micah 4 verse 5 says, "For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever."

Others believe in not the God of the Bible, but other gods. They do not see. But as for me and my household, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.

Thank you Lord, for being my God and being God of forever and ever.

Day 199

All too often I try and take things into my own hands. I do not trust as I should. I do things that may be not what God had intended because I see it as a good plan.

Isaiah 30 verse 1 says, "'Ah, stubborn children,' declares the Lord, 'who carry out a plan, but not mine...'"

I am a stubborn child of God. I have a tough time letting Him lead me. This is my continued struggle, but also what I long for; to give everything to Him and not worry.

I know the only way is to wholly trust in the Lord. I will continue to strive for this and search out how in these readings.

Day 198

Today, Isaiah 26 verse 4 caught my attention. It says, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

That brings great comfort to me knowing my God is an everlasting rock. A rock that cannot be moved or broken. A rock like that is worthy of trust.

I think everyone needs a rock in their life. They need a constant that never changes. The Lord is my rock and my constant. I will trust in Him.

Day 197

I find it interesting how we can go about our typical day and not notice certain things have changed.

Isaiah 18 mentions something like this for us as Christians. Isaiah 18 verse 3 says, "...when a signal is raised on the mountains, look! When a trumpet is blown, hear!"

I believe this is talking about when the Lord gives us signs and is talking to us the way only He can, He wants us to be sure we are looking! We need to look through eyes that see how the Lord moves in the trees and speaks to us through others.

I continue to work on listening for the Lord. I find when I am listening, He is always talking!

Day 196

I have become more and more aware through these readings that I am incapable of doing anything on my own. I have to fully rely on the Lord.

This is emphasized in Psalm 147 verses 10 and 11. They say, "[The Lord] takes no pleasure in...human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing Love."

The Lord is not interested in how strong one is or how strong they think they are. All He is interested in is that they fear the Lord and put their hope in Him. That is all He asks of us.

Fear the Lord. That is all the Lord is concerned about.

Day 195

I know I am blessed. I have an amazing wife, great son, great friends, warm house, good job, the list goes on. I know I do not deserve all that I have, but I am thankful to the Lord for what He has blessed me with.

However, I still have trouble trusting. I am finding out the hard way that I need Him and cannot do anything on my own.

Whenever I am in the word, it is so clear that the Lord will take care of me and bless me. Psalm 128 verses 1 and 2 say, "Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His way! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed and it shall be well with you."

The Lord has made it very clear to me that I need to trust Him in all things. However, the limitations of my mind hinder me from completely trusting in Him. I will continue to pray and strive toward fearing and trusting the Lord in all things.

Day 194

Through these readings I am finding out several things about the Lord. Another one of those things I have found while reading is mentioned in Psalm 125 verse 1. It says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved..."

Those who trust in the Lord are rooted in Him and cannot be moved by outside forces. The Lord is our rock. Trust in Him and we cannot be moved!

With so much uncertainty, change and distractions, it is such a comfort to know that the Lord is our rock. He cannot be moved or shaken or changed! What a comfort.