Todays Beginning

Monday... I know, I know, you just don't want to go back to work. But let this word from God's Word encourage you. Proverbs 28:19-20 (MSG) says, "Work your garden - you'll end up with plenty of food; play and party - you'll end up with an empty plate. Committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs." I am retired but I still get up each morning to do something that could be called work but without the money. And God rewards me for my diligence and He does you too. Now there is one thing that my dad and mom handed down to me that I have striven to give to my children. It is that God rewards hard work. We each one were created with a purpose in mind. Adam's first job was to name all of the animals in the Garden. He had a reason to get up each morning.  Also God gave us an example. It says that God labored for six days and then He rested. I wonder what would have happened to us if God had gotten up and said, "No, I don't wa...

Saturday... It is truly alive. It is! I don't know where you live. I don't know what is happening in your life, in your heart, in your relationships but God does. It is so amazing how you can open the Bible and start reading and there is something in it that is right where you live. But if we don't open it then it can't speak to us. Remember, it is truly alive, it is! Look at this. Maybe this is where you are today. Psalm 5 & 6 (NIRV) says, "Lord you are forgiving and good. You are full of love for all who call out to you. Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy. When I'm in trouble, I will call out to you. And you will answer me." There it is, there is God through His Word speaking to you and me today. What is it in there that you needed to hear today? What is it that you are dealing with today? What is it God is reaching out to you to show you?  He cares, He knows and He is interested in you and His Word is truly alive and so is He. Here is ...

Friday... Yes, yes, that is what I want. The writer of Psalm 85 in the middle of verse 8 (NLT) says this and I want it. It says, "for he speaks peace to his faithful people." I know there are faithful believers in the Ukraine in the middle of war who can say, "for he speaks peace to his faithful people." They have peace in the middle of war. I know that there have been so many faithful believers in the midst of this war on Covid who can say. "for he speaks peace to his faithful people." There are people who are in the midst of so much turmoil all around them who can say, "for he speaks peace to his faithful people."  Now the key word is faithful. So many are faithful to the principles of their political party but do they have peace? I am faithful in my walking everyday, I am faithful in eating the right food, I am faithful in doing a lot of different things and I reap the benefit in being faithful. Keeping at it is so important. But the source of...

Thursday... What is He really like? Have you ever had to read a person's resume and you wondered if they are really like that? I mean they sound wonderful. And you might ask the same about God. Is He really like that? Psalm 84:11 (NIRV) says, "The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light." And the sun is so unbelievable in all our descriptions. I mean, it gives us light, it gives us warmth, all the solar system revolves around the sun. And it is a great picture of what God is like. And then, "He is like a shield that keeps us safe." Do you ever watch one of those police shows and whenever they are headed into danger they put on their chest protectors. They put them on to protect themselves when shots are fired at them. God is like that but in a greater way. And then it says, "The Lord blesses us with favor and honor." The NLT says, "He gives us grace and glory." He looks down on us and sees everything about us and everything we have done ...

Wednesday... It shows us how to handle it.  I love the Psalms. Look at this. Psalm 83:1-5 (MSG) says, "God, don't shut me out; don't give me the silent treatment, O God. Your enemies are out there whooping it up, the God-haters are living it up; they're plotting to do your people in, conspiring to rob you out of your precious ones. 'Let's wipe this nation from the face of the earth,' they say, 'scratch Israel's name off the book.' And now they're putting their heads together, making plans to get rid of you." That's how Asaph starts this Psalm. God is letting him get it all off his chest. I'm sure the Christ followers in the Ukraine are feeling the same thing. I'm sure some of you are facing very difficult impossible situations today and you feel all alone. And it is okay to get it all off your chest. I know that the world is full of people putting their heads together making plans to get rid of God. Just go ahead and vent. B...

Tuesday... He gives us great words of advice.  Jude, a brother of James and also an earthly brother of Jesus in his short, one chapter letter starts it off with some great advice. I love the Bible. No matter where you are in it you find something that will make a major difference in our day and in the way we live. So let me ask you, how are you doing today? Are you facing some insurmountable problem? This Covid is and has been a problem. Russia invading the Ukraine is a problem. Maybe work is a problem or family relationships. Maybe your health.  Jude wrote this letter to some Christians who were facing some real problems. He starts off in verse 1 (MSG) by saying, "I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ." Now we can't say we are a brother of James who was also an earthly brother of Jesus but we can say that we are loved and kept safe by Jesus Christ if we have given our lives...

Monday... Here are four important words for today. Let me ask you, do you strive to widen your vocabulary each day? Let me give you four words to dwell on and meditate on today that can make a difference for tomorrow. Here they are: careful planning, hurry and scurry. These are words that I need reinforced in my mind today. Proverbs 21:5 (MSG) says, "Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind." Now that may not make sense but it is very wise. I don't know where I'm going but I'm ahead of schedule. Now that doesn't make sense but that is the way that so many people live. They are always, always in a hurry.  This verse in the New Living Translation says, "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." The NIRV says, "The plans of people who work hard succeed. You can be just as sure that those in a hurry will become poor." We can be in such a hurry that we c...

Saturday... This is so easy to do. It really is. We are looking for a vehicle that we need to do a certain task. I found one but still needed more info about it so I went back with my wife to find out if it really met our need. We loved it. And we made the mistake of getting in and sitting down in it. It was great. The price was right, the miles on it were unbelievable but it didn't meet the need that we had. It met our want but not our need. Now if we had let our wants take control we would have been down the road in trouble. We could have prayed about it and taken the fact that we really wanted it as a sign and bought it and then blamed God because it wasn't what we needed. And that is so easy to do, isn't it? And we do it, too many times. Proverbs 1:3 (NLT) says, "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord." It is so easy to play the blame game when it really is our fault. Now I sent the specs on the vehicle out to my son an...

Friday... Every person, not just a few but every person who believes has this. 1 John 5.1-3 (Msg) says, "Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we'll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God's children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome." Now here is a benefit of this. Verses 4-5 says, "Every God-begotten person conquers the world's ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God." And remember every person can do that. Here's more, verses 11-12 says, "This is the testimony in essence: God gave us life in his Son. So, whoever" (another way to say every person) "wh...

Thursday... But then can make all the difference. It is so easy to let the cares of the world get us down. We look at a new day with a heavy heart, knowing that nothing good is going to happen. How do we know that? We know it because that is what we keep telling ourselves. Asaph the writer of Psalm 77 must have been going through a very tough time. In verses 4-5 (NLT) he continues down his dark road that we too many of us also drive. He says, "You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray. I think of the good old days, long since ended." We could say that and many of us do about what we are going through. Verses 6-9, "when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever?" That is a word that comes up a lot in our times of deep anxiety. The word forever, forever, forever. He goes on, "Will he never be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Has his promises permanent...

Wednesday... Now that is really smart. God has given us our abilities. Now each of us in some area can excel. God does not create junk but He also gives each one of us another major advantage and too many of us don't use it. Granted, we don't even use our abilities to the level that God has created us but there is more and we would be smart to use it. Look at this verse. Proverbs 16:1 (NLT) says, "We can make our own plans," God has given us the freedom and the ability to make our own plans. And that is a very great ability and privilege. It really is but the rest of the verse says, "but the Lord gives the right answer." Now that is an awesome advantage that we too many times don't use. Verses 1-3 (MSG) says, "Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place." Verse 9 says, "We pla...

Tuesday... He has taken care of both sides of the picture. And that is such good news. 1 John 2:1 (NIRV) says, "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin." That tells a lot about who God is. It really does. We as parents look at our kids and we tell them what we want them to do and we figure that if we tell them then that is all that is needed and we really get upset when they don't do it. We say, "I told you not to do that. You know you're not to do that." But God knows that that isn't enough. Just because He says it doesn't mean we will do it. John writes, "But suppose someone does sin." John goes on, He says "Then." Here comes the solution that God has put into place for when and if we do sin. Now to go back. We don't have to sin. We don't. We could hear that He doesn't want us to sin. Over and over He tells of the rewards if we don't and the consequences i...

Monday... Winning and love seem to go together. Proverbs 14:20 (MSG) says, "An unlucky loser is shunned by all, but everyone loves a winner." Last night was the Super Bowl and at the end there was a team that will be remembered as the winner. Now a lot of different situations came about to make them the winner but history will tell everyone they won. And the Proverbs says that everyone loves a winner. But that may not be a good thing. Verse 21 says, "It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor - what a blessing." The NLT gives another slant to these two verses. It says, "The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many 'friends.' It is a sin to belittle one's neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor." Granite in sports there is always a winner and loser but in God's view of a winner and loser is different. An unlucky loser could also be a winner depending upon how they handle it or...

Saturday... But Billy, you shouldn't say that word. Have you ever had your mom say that to you after you had said a certain word, that we shouldn't say? It's not what we should say. The writer of Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) says one of those words. He writes, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." Not a word we would use but it gets to the point, doesn't it? We had a 59 year old man here in Vegas a couple of weeks back who had gotten speeding ticket after speeding ticket who ran a stop sign going 100 miles an hour and hit a van killing a family of seven, and also himself and his passenger. Now that was deadly stupid.  Over and over people don't listen to correction and suffer consequences. It really is stupid. Verse 1 in the New Living Translation says, "To learn, you must love discipline, it is stupid to hate correction." It really, really is. The first part is also so important, "To learn, you must love...

Friday... Now this is real love. The writer of Psalm 71:7 (MSG), says, "Many grasp in alarm when they see me but you take me in stride." I'm not sure why that last line stepped up and grabbed me but it did, "But you take me in stride." Now that is real love, isn't it? We are unique individuals. We are not perfect but we are unique. For many they do not even accept themselves. They don't even like themselves, let alone love themselves but no matter who you are God takes you in stride. He knows you, He created you and He loves you and He sent His Son to die for you.  Now sin has messed us up but there still is that someone who God created who is not like anyone else. And God does not make mistakes and He does not create junk. And He made you unique for a purpose. I love verses 17 & 18 (NLT). They are my prayer. They say, "O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do" like...

Thursday... Please, please hurry! Don't know what David had going on in his life but he needed help right now.  In Psalm 70:1 (NLT) he says, "Come quickly, Lord, and help me." and then in verse 5 he says, " please hurry to my aid, O God." Whatever it was, he needed help right now and that is usually the way we are. He at least said, please. We don't even do that. How do you respond when your kids say something like this, can we eat now, can you please hurry? They always have a good reason for being in a hurry, at least to them but what about us with them.  Now it doesn't seem like God came back at him and rebuked him. He seemed to be patient with him. But that's not always true of us with our kids, with our spouse, and with others, is it? The things we says when someone is pushing us, trying to get us to hurry. It's not always a pretty picture. I like what David said in verses 4 & 5, he said, "But may all who search for you be filled wit...

Wednesday... Is this you today? Is this what you are feeling? David writes in Psalm 69:1-3 (NLT), "Save me God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.  I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me." I love the honesty of the Psalms. So, what do we do? I love what Peter says in his first letter. In chapter 5 verses 6-7 he writes, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you." Listen, He cares for you. He cares for you.  Now this is important. Verses 8-9 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." Look at thi...

Tuesday... In spite of, we can! Here is where being a follow of God makes a major difference. In all of the in spite ofs in our life we can rejoice. In spite of Covid, in spite of relational problems, in spite of health problems, in spite of all the difficulties you are going through, you can rejoice. It is not easy but you can. David writes in Psalm 68:3-4 (NLT), "But..." That is another way of saying in spite of. "But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord - rejoice in his presence." Verse 6 says, "God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." Are you a prisoner to what is happening around you? He wants to set you free from all the negatives in your life. He does. You are not alone.  Verse 19 (MSG) says, "Blessed be the Lord - day after day he carries us along. H...

Monday... I'm proud of you. I had a teacher in High School who really made a difference in my life. Outside of my dad Mr. Gilbert had a tremendous influence on my life. He was my choir director and my voice teacher and he was tough.  I remember my first private voice lesson, he asked me to sing a song. Now you need to understand that I had had the privilege of singing in front of people starting at the age of five. I thought I was something. Well, I sang a few lines and he stopped me and said, start again and after one word he stopped me and started tearing my voice apart so he could rebuild it. He made a major difference in me. At one point in my high school life I was selected in a voice competition as the outstanding soloist and as I was walking to my ride, Mr Gilbert came up beside me and said, Bill, I'm proud of you. I worked hard for that compliment and I still get emotional thinking about it even as an old man. That life occurrence came to my mind this morning when I rea...

Saturday... It's bigger than what man can do. Five days a week I head down in the morning with my computer and get a cup of coffee and sit at a table in our Community Center that looks out on a section of the Spring Mountains that are to the West of the Las Vegas Valley. I love that view. This morning I am sitting at our dining room table looking out on new houses being built and a 17 block high fence at the back of our yard.. Now it is amazing what man can build but in no way does it compare to the smallest hill that God created. And that is who I can take my difficulties, my troubles, my fears and even my mistakes and failures to. David writes in Psalm 65:5, "You faithfulling answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas." And then verse 6, "You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength."  Now He could say to us, Oh, I know that problem you ar...

Friday... It brings light and it brings life. I love the morning sun. I usually get up each morning as the sun is waking up and I open the shades to let the sun light into our home. We have plants inside that need the light to help them grow and I just like the light. The writer of Proverbs 4:18 (NIRV) writes, "The path of those who do right is like the sun in the morning. It shines brighter until the full of day." The MESSAGE Paraphrase says, "The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine." But verse 19 says, "But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker - travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces." A good way to start your day is open up the shades of God's Word and to let it shine into your life and it surely does grow brighter through the day that you will be living. Verses 10-13 (NLT) says, "My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I...

Thursday... How did your sleep go last night? The writers of Proverbs and Psalms gives us some thoughts on sleep. Proverbs 3:21-23 (NLT) says, "My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment." Our mind can go wild when we are wanting to go to sleep, can't it?  He says, "don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace, they keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble." He then says in verse 24, "You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." That is so true. He will. He will. The Psalmist also deals with this. Psalm 63:6-8 (MSG) says, "If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you've always stood up ...

Wednesday... Waiting can be a such hard thing to do. It tells a lot about us if we have a problem with waiting. David in Psalm 62:5 (MSG), "God the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says." But that is not usually the way we take it. I don't have time for this. I have too much to do. I don't like to wait. Don't they know who I am? How we handle waiting tells us what we think about ourselves. Let me ask you, how are you handling this Covid world that we are living in? Do you think that God has the power to do something about this? Could it be He is waiting for us to put our total trust in Him?  James 4:2-3 says, "You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not?  Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to do. You're spoiled children each wanting your own way." He goes on, verses  4- 7, "You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get,...

Tuesday... Just think of this. Psalm 61:1-3 (NIV), "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." David goes on, verses 4-5, "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." So,where do you turn when life is about to get you down? Do you turn to the social media to lift you up or to God's Word? Therein lies so much of our stress and even anger and division.  James 3:10-12 (MSG) says, "My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear water, are you?" James 3:17-...