Scripture for Today:  Ezekiel 17:24 “All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall.  I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree to flourish.  I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.”

The bark of this tree seems to have his eye on those passing through the forest!  Behind our French house was a beautiful forest where I loved to stroll.  On a hot day I appreciated the drop in temperature and the stillness.  The welcomed shade of the trees made it a bit dark but I did not mind that.  However, if I thought a tree were watching me, I don’t think I would stick around!

Today’s verse talks about trees in the forest knowing something that many humans fail to see.  God has the ultimate say over what dies and what grows.  He causes trees to dry up or to flourish, to grow tall or to be brought down.  This example in nature mirrors His control with men.  God has the power to bring down the haughty prideful man.  He humbles the circumstances of those who ignore Him.  He opposes the proud (James 4:6) and sends poverty to those He humbles (I Sam.2:7).

Thankfully, our God is also full of grace and He promises to show favor to the humble.  I show that humility by bending my knee in total submission to what He wants.  His plan for my life may or may not involve recognition or praise from men.  But it is His call how He may exalt me, whether on earth or in Heaven with rewards. I want to be more concerned about giving Him the glory, honor and praise that is due Him!

Lord, may my life be about You.

Scripture for Today: Luke 24:25 “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.'”

These sloths move so slowly they can seem to be holding still even when on the move!  It is said that “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”  However, this slow moving animal can actually grow algae on their fur, turning a greenish hue and blending in with their surroundings.  Contrary to popular belief they do not sleep all day but only ten hours.  They move at such a snail’s pace to conserve energy as their diet of mainly leaves digests slowly and is low in calories.

Today’s verse is a reproach from the resurrected Jesus for two of His disciples while walking on the road to Emmaus.  These men were sad and discouraged, their hopes being dashed that Jesus would redeem Israel.  They misunderstood the prophets and they did not believe the testimony of the women and disciples who saw the empty tomb (verses 22 & 24).  They were slow to believe.  But rather than leave them in that state, Jesus opened their spiritual eyes to His Word and later to His identity (verse 31).

How personal Jesus is to meet me exactly where needed!  Just like those two disciples I can be so slow to believe.  With infinite patience Jesus answers my doubts and questions.  He reassures me through His Word.  He makes His presence felt.  And each time He does this, He gives me another opportunity to grow my faith and trust.  It is better to be slow than to be at a standstill.  But my prayer is that I can respond to keen disappointment with firm belief in His control and goodness a bit sooner each time.  He is giving me this opportunity now.

Lord, may I quickly respond with belief!

Scripture for Today: Mark 12:17 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at Him.”

Today would normally be the day to file a tax return and pay any tax that is due.  But due to these extraordinary times of pandemic, the deadline has been extended automatically for everyone.  Businesses and individuals have until July 15 to file and to pay.  This is especially helpful as so many of us are unable to meet with our CPA’s to prepare and file.  Hopefully, this measure will bring some financial relief to those who are struggling.

Today’s verse is the Lord’s response to a trick question from the Pharisees and Herodians.  They asked whether or not one should pay the imperial tax, trying to catch Him in His words (verse 13).  Jesus, knowing their hearts and thoughts, knew their question was insincere and full of hypocrisy.  The Lord recognizes our obligations to the governing authorities.  At the same time He challenges His listeners with another more lofty obligation; to give to God what is rightfully His.  The simplicity and wisdom in His answer astounded them!

What do I owe God?  His salvation is a gift with no strings attached (Eph. 2:8-9).  But when I accept His gift I want to give to Him.  A tithe is too small.  No amount of money can repay Him for His incredible sacrifice.  A good work here and there at my convenience somehow does not answer.  What I can give back to Him is a love involving my whole heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).  He has bought all of me at a huge cost to Himself (I Cor. 6:20).  “Jesus paid it all,” and all to Him I owe!

Lord, may I love You today with every fiber of my being!

Scripture for Today: Revelation 21:27 “ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

These disposable safety gloves are so important in keeping our health professionals free of contamination.  But there is another pair of gloves on display at the Ghetto Fighters’ House museum in Israel.  They are the gloves worn by an Israel Security Service Agent when grabbing Adolf Eichmann off the streets of Argentina in 1960.  This Nazi criminal was brought back to Jerusalem to stand trial for his barbaric role in the massacre of Jews and was hung for his crimes.  Although Eichmann looked so unassuming and ordinary, the agent used gloves rather than touch pure evil.

Today’s verse declares that nothing evil will ever enter Heaven.  No one who has ever done anything impure, shameful or deceitful will be able to gain access to God’s presence.  The Almighty One is so holy that His eyes are too pure to even look on evil (Hab. 1:13).  The perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, not only by his actions but also by his thoughts (Prov. 15:26).  But being that there is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10) how can anyone enter?  The Lamb’s Book of Life contains the names of those who have placed their faith in Christ’s righteousness and His sacrifice for their sin.

Nothing I could ever do would qualify me to enter Heaven apart from trusting Him.  The ground in front of the cross is level and I stand just as guilty as the most deplorable Nazi.  But thankfully because of Jesus, the Lamb of God, I can boldly approach His throne and find mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16).

Thank you Lord, that Your mercy and grace made a way for me!

Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018.