Nehemiah 9:19 “But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day, and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night.”

The children of Israel were so fickle, all or nothing, hot or cold, off or on.  They took incredible steps of faith and walked in blessing and favor, being miraculously led through an unknown place.  When they got overwhelmed by their situation, they just did an 180o, literally began worshipping an idol.  But God still showed them mercy, allowed them to regroup, and still guided them.  And His miracles were exactly what were needed at that moment.  His provision was specific to the need and situation and left no question as to who was providing.

I am like a child of Israel.  My love for God runs deep, but so quickly I forget what He’s brought me through.  I lack faith and obedience.  I get overwhelmed regularly.  But, God is so merciful and patient with me, He is still guiding me.  He is still providing for me.  My future is not totally clear.  Yes, I can see the path directly in front of me.  The excitement for life that my children show me daily, is my miracle pillar of cloud in the day.  My prophetic dreams and absence of loneliness in the evening, is my pillar of fire at night.  These things give me courage to keep moving forward.  I’m on the right track.

Lord, I am so thankful for your mercy and patience.  Help me to absorb it so much that it seeps onto others.  Thank you for your guidance and provision.

Luke 19:33 "He replied, 'If they kept quiet, the stones would burst into cheers!'"

The religious leaders were offended by the crowd proclaiming Jesus as King.  They wanted Jesus to rebuke them, and to basically dispute their claims.  Not only did Jesus NOT rebuke them, but he validated their claims by saying that if they didn't praise him, then the ROCKS would.  That is serious moxie... go Jesus! 

What a praise WORTHY God we serve!  I might as well lose myself in worship to him.  I might as well proclaim his goodness!  I might as well be so obvious about it that people take note, and may not like it or, heaven forbid, approve.  He is so WORTHY and demanding of praise, that if I don't praise him... if we as his children don't acknowledge him as Lord.... then the literal STONES will rise up and do it.

Lord, let my every breath be about you.  As much as I like rocks, minerals, and stones... I do not want them to do my job.  You are worthy of praise!  You are the blessed King of heaven.  Thank you for who you are....good, faithful, love, in-control, competent, aware of the details, the master planner, the healer of hurt hearts, the cleaner of tainted minds, the victor, the defender of those treated unjustly, the restorer of brokenness, the resurrector of dead dreams, the hope that erases disappointments.  You are amazing!