God desires to reveal... He wants to give us a clearer picture of who He is, of who we are and of what He wants us to do. Are you ready to follow His leading and direction in your life?

Throughout the next few weeks we'll have daily readings and thoughts here from others on the journey just like you. People from the Real Life community sharing daily what God's been revealing to them.

Want to share what God's revealing to you? Just click here.

Reveal... November 17, 2008 Reading: Matthew 5:1-16 Key Verse: Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Reflection: What truly fills you up? What is it that you hunger and thirst after? What truly satisfies? As I fasted this last week these questions kept popping up in my head. I was desiring... hungering... thirsting... craving... denying. In setting aside my "creature comforts" for something better I found myself plunging into what really brings satisfaction. Not the stuff that masks, the things that distract. No, really finding what my soul is longing for. Drinking in deeply the life that God has given. Not being satisfied with merely existing... but living! Jesus calls us to follow Him... to learn from His ways. On a hillside He shares with some folks like you and me. People who want to follow Jesus. He shows them, and us, just how different life will be if we walk with Him. Do you hear the call? A call to something new? Something amazing? Something... real? Meditation: Read Psalm 63:1-8 a few times. Drink it in. The satisfaction that comes from God alone is one of a kind. The awesome thing is that you will never leave empty if you pursue God... He is already chasing you. Jesus, Thank You for loving me. Living life with You makes all the difference! I'm so thankful for Your promise to fill me as I hunger and thirst for You. Also, Lord, open our eyes really big to the ministry You have before us this week in a lost, broken, hurting and hungry world. Help us to do whatever You instruct us to do for Your incredible Name! Amen.		Ric Guisinger
Reveal... November 16, 2008 Reading: Matthew 28:19-20 Key Verse: Matthew 28:20 "...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. " Reflection: A few weeks ago I sat in a crowded, rain-soaked tent in Wisconsin surrounded by soldiers training to go to war in Iraq. The rifles and machine guns piled everywhere served as a poignant reminder that this was no average church service. The chaplain played a guitar as soldiers shared a handful of crumpled photocopied sheets of paper with the words to the songs. The singing was off key. The message was simple. God was there. Yesterday I talked to a soldier who broke into tears because he is afraid of dying. He is the gunner in my HMMWV, and he is afraid of being killed by a sniper. God is here. God is not “more here” because we are in a war zone. God is always with us, trying to reveal himself. Unfortunately, we often only see God revealed in trials or crisis. Meditation: God, you have put me in this place in my life on purpose. You have a plan, and I know you long to reveal yourself to me, and through me to others. God, please continue to be with me as you promised, and give me the wisdom to see you revealed. Reveal yourself to others through me. Amen.		Ken Garrison
Reveal... November 14, 2008 Reading: Psalm 25 Key Verses: Psalm 25:3 "No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame." Psalm 25:9 "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." Psalm 25:21 "May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in you." Reflection: This chapter has given me so much peace and strength and confidence during difficult times. I see three major themes that connect in this chapter. 1. Hope and trust in God alone. 2. Humility. Knowing that you need Gods teaching and guidance. 3. God's protection for the one who hopes in God and lives a life which humbly follows his instruction. So what is humility? Philippians 2:1-11 shows us an incredible example God's definition of humility through Jesus. He came to serve. All though Jesus' story in the Scriptures (found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) you see the Creator of the universe serving His creation. He was not here for Himself. He was here for us. Humility is having a heart that is selfless. Humility is the heart that freely gives love to those who have not loved us first. Loving with no expectation that the love will be reciprocated. The only way I can love like that is when all my hopes and trust in God all day long. He will guard my life and protect me. Meditation: Ask God with me for an amazing humble heart. A heart that is ready to be taught and slow to be defensive. I want, to be humble like Christ, trusting in the promise of God’s protection for my vulnerable heart. Choice My life is a sacrifice to You If trouble comes, I will praise You If life is unfair, I will praise If I am unloved, I will continue to love Be with me Speak to me Walk with me You are my God. I will look for approval from You alone. My love for You is so deep My passion is to please You Fill me with all that is You I will love I will live I will serve		Faith Guisinger
Reveal... November 13, 2008 Reading: John 13:33-38 Key Verse: John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. " Reflection: I recently went to a marketing conference for work. The speaker asked how many marketers we had at our warehouse. I told him we have six marketers. He said "Wrong. All of your employees are marketers. They all have their network of friends, relatives, and acquaintances. All employees play an important role in marketing. How they talk about work will directly impact how others perceive our company" A few days later, The Daily Bread's title was "God's Catalog". It was about how Christians are God's illustration to the world of what He has to offer. This is so true. How others see us live our daily lives will directly affect the way they perceive Christians. Do you live so that others will want what you have? Do people see qualities in you that make them long for God? Meditation: Think about your commute, day at work, or daily activities. Were you a good example? Were you marketing for God? God, help me love others the way you do. Please help me set an example for others so they will want to know you. Amen.		Rick Taylor
Reveal... November 12, 2008 Reading: Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-25 Key Verses: Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Reflection: My sister flew out from NY to stay with me while Trevor was on the Hell's Canyon trip. After a long day of flight cancellations, delays, and thinking my sister would spend the night in an airport somewhere, she arrived at PDX. As soon as she could, she called me to come pick her up. I don't own a cell phone and we planned to meet outside of baggage claim at the very first set of doors. We were set. Even though she had no checked bags, I told her to follow the signs for baggage claim and take the escalator down and then go outside. I had not seen her in 10 months and she told me she was wearing a green striped shirt and a black hoodie. She also added that she recently cut her hair. I should have asked what shade it currently was, but forgot. I'm not a fan of airports, I get very tense around them, but thought this would be an easy pick-up—no parking, no luggage, no problem. All I had with me was my license. As I drove from Highway 14 onto 205, the car died. It started back up, so I continued, but was nervous as I crossed the bridge and joined the heavy traffic headed into the airport. I drove through the arrivals area twice without seeing her. I was starting to get mad—where was she? During my third trip through, I saw her—black hoodie, looking down at her cell phone. Then she looked up as I pulled the car to her. Oops! Not my sister—where was she? I drove through a fourth time. Maybe she stopped to use the bathroom, but I realized her plane had been on the ground for over 40 minutes! I was getting angry and annoyed. Where was she? I was afraid the car was going to die on me again and I had no money and calling Trevor was almost pointless since we only have one car. After driving through a fifth time, I prayed, "God, open my eyes." There were fewer and fewer people and fewer cars each time I went around. Where was she? Please, Lord, open my eyes and let me see her. I know I told her—follow the signs, take the escalator, go outside. God, open my eyes. After saying that prayer out loud a few times I knew exactly where she was. She had to be upstairs waiting outside of departures. I prayed again to have patience. I didn't want the first thing out of my mouth to be angry words. Sure enough there she was, wondering what took me so long. Meditation: God answered my prayer when I asked--when I finally asked! How many times have you driven around in circles not asking for help or guidance? What do you need to ask God for right now? Lord, too often I rely on my own strength. Please send me daily reminders to ask for guidance. I know things are better when I seek Your help. Thank you for being there when I need you. Amen.		Meghan Towner
Reveal... November 11, 2008 Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 Key Verse: Hebrews 12:2 "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." Reflection: There have been many times during my journey with Christ that I have felt burned out, tired, alone, scared, depressed, frustrated and disappointed. This journey has taken me through many peaks and valleys. The valleys have been painfully necessary though. Unfortunately, when I am at a peak, things are usually going so good I tend to neglect, or take for granted my dependence upon God. I start trying to accomplish life on my own, in my own power and wisdom. The valleys usually seem to be a direct result of taking my eyes off Jesus, and thus becoming self-centered. When I get down in the dumps enough, I often call a pastor friend of mine to invite him to my pity party. After we get through the small talk, and to the meat of the reason I called, he takes no time at all in pointing out that I have taken my focus off of Christ and placed it on myself. It’s during these times of darkness and despair that I find myself back on my knees calling out for God to lift me up, and my focus is redirected on Him, the author and perfector of my faith. Meditation: It’s only by God's love and power that it is possible to endure this race. Take a few moments to ask God to search your heart, and reflect on the areas of your life you are trying to control yourself. Redirect your focus on Jesus. Ask Him to be the source of your strength. God, you are the source of all that is good. You have redeemed me! Be the foundation of my life. Help me run this race. Be my focus! Amen.		Cris Matta
Reveal... November 10, 2008 Reading: Psalm 37:3-6 Key Verse: Psalm 37:3 "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." Reflection: Webster defines trust as "confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship, or other sound principle of another person or thing." We all have a sin nature and cannot be completely trusted. When I was betrayed by a close, Christian friend, it was difficult for me to allow myself to be open to forming close relationships. At that time I was a new Christian and my perception of a Christian was someone who could always be trusted. One of my favorite hymns is “Trust and Obey.” God has shown me that if I put my trust in Him and as verse 3 states “do good” or obey, He can be relied on to carry me through any situation that arises. He has carried me through times of emotional stress, financial insecurity, and health problems of a loved one. Only God can always be wholly trusted. Meditation: Write a list of times you have trusted God and how He has revealed himself to you. Think about how trusting God makes you feel. What do you want to see happen in your life as you put your trust in God? God, thank You that you can be trusted in all areas of my life. As I rely on You, help me to be aware of Your presence each time I put my trust in You. Amen.		Marilyn Eschliman
Reveal... November 9, 2008 Reading: Matthew 7:24-27 Key Verses: Matthew 7:24,25 "If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit – but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock." Reflection: As I look at the world around me, it would be easy to get caught up in discouragement and quickly become overwhelmed. It is a great comfort to know that I do not have to be disheartened or weighed down with these things because the Lord is my Rock. By applying His words to my life and trusting Him, my future is secure and certain. I want to live this way each day; knowing that the Lord takes care of me! Meditation: Read the words to the following hymn: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less Edward Mote My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteous. No merit of my own I claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. His oath, his covenant, his blood sustain me in the raging flood. When all supports are washed away, he then is all my hope and stay. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in him be found, clothed in his righteousness alone, redeemed to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. How has the Lord shown you that He is your Rock? Lord, I thank you so much for your stability and faithfulness. Even when I am uncertain of my circumstances, you are there to comfort me. I praise you for your steadfastness! I want to remain fixed to you Lord. Remind me each day that you are the Rock. Amen.		Liz Gering
Reveal... November 8, 2008 Reading: Luke 12:6-8 Key Verse: Luke 1:7 "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows." Reflection: I was recently reminded how God is concerned and cares for all facets of our lives. Preparing to clean the church parking lot, I unrolled an extension cord from a reel and placed a small cord clip into my pocket. When I took my keys from the pocket to unlock the church door the small black clip must have fallen out, because an hour later when I went to roll up the cord the clip was gone. I retraced my steps where I had used the keys (the church and car trunk), but couldn’t locate it. I breathed a short prayer, asking God to locate the clip..... No clip. It wasn’t that I had to have it, but it served a useful purpose. When I was ready to leave, after working in the office, I walked over to the church building to check one more thing inside. As I opened the door I looked down by the hinged side and there was the small black clip. I had missed it before as it blended perfectly with the door. I immediately uttered a “Thank you Jesus”! The clip was a small thing, but I believe God answered my prayer. We often go to him for the large trials in our lives and neglect the small everyday obstacles we encounter. As Luke 1:7 states, “you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows”. He knows even the number of hairs on our heads. Meditation: Remember, God is all powerful, all knowing.  He is concerned about us and cares about every facet of our lives.  Tonight, reflect on how he has walked beside you today.  Thank him! Lord, reveal yourself in my life. Open my heart to your will, and may I not take you for granted. Amen.		Bruce Upham
Reveal... November 7, 2008 Reading: Ephesians 1:11-12; Romans 9:20-21 Reflection: I read a quote in a magazine the other day, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” This resonated with me, so I sat and thought about what it meant for a while. I am not much of a voyager. I am sort of a homebody. Zachary (my son) and I have been studying Leif Erikson and Christopher Columbus this school year. Two very famous voyagers! Both Leif and Christopher had greater missions from their respective Kings and Queen to bring the message of Christ to new worlds. Would I have ever done that?? No way! I would never have even been interested. To travel on a little wooden sailing ship, to seek new lands, or passages to India or China; especially if there was any lingering question in my mind about whether or not I might eventually sail right off the edge of the earth! I don’t think so. I am simply not adventuresome in that way, but in my spirit I AM adventuresome. There is a longing deep within me to make a difference in my corner of the world for the short time I am here. David wrote in Psalm 39:4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.” I am only going to be here for a whisper of time and knowing that has made me feel like I needed to force myself to be more like someone who, in my eyes, seemed to be doing more than me. Over time, I have come to realize that the “Christopher Columbus” type of person is not me. God has given the desire and passion to others in the body of Christ to evangelize to new worlds, to be really instrumental in bringing unbelievers in by the armful so they too can come to understand the hope we have in Jesus. He has given ME the task of building on that; it is my job to help people grow up in Christ. I am one of the ones He has called to develop others on their journey. This is not to say that I will ignore or not bother with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. I am excited to help them find Him too, but God created me THIS way. He knows who needs to be brought into my life and exactly when our paths should cross. It is my job to keep my eyes open, to have “new eyes” for MY “voyage of discovery” and for the people that God has put in my life. I don’t get caught up in feeling guilty any longer for being this way. The guilt took the wind out of my sails and I stood becalmed, not really moving at all. As I let go of the guilt and the feeling that I should be something that I am not, there have been more and more opportunities for me to make a difference in the lives of the people who were already in my view. Meditation: Who has God created you to be? What kinds of things do you enjoy doing for Him? Do you feel like you have to be like someone else to make God happy with you? God won’t ask why weren’t you more like Moses, or Leif Erikson, or Pastor Jeff or Pastor Shelley or even Mindy…He will ask, “Why weren’t you more like I created YOU to be?” Father, please reveal to me who I am in You. How can I make a difference while I am alive? Show me my purpose, for I know you have created me with a plan for my life. Amen.		Mindy Hoffman
Reveal... November 6, 2008 Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 Key Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Reflection: God has revealed himself to me in many ways during the years that I've walked with him. One way that God has spoken to me is through his overwhelming peace. The peace that God gives is hard to explain to someone who has never experienced it. There's a calming of the spirit that is unexplainable. I have felt God's amazing peace in times when fear could have taken over and left me shaking and helpless. This peace took away fear when my little girl was going through surgery. I felt no fear as I, too, faced surgery on two occasions. When my mother was dying, God sent me rainbows and other amazing signs reminding me that he was with me. Going through the tough times in life are not so fearful when those fears are replaced by God's amazing peace. Meditation: Don't allow fear to control your life. God knows what you're going through and will fill you with peace as you give your fears to Him. Dear God, thank you for your peace that takes away my fears. Knowing you are with me in times of fear brings comfort to me and helps me trust you in all things. Amen!		Sharon Upham
Reveal... November 5, 2008 Reading: Isaiah 40 Key Verse: Isaiah 40:3 "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'" Reflection:  I’m broke! Not so much in the monetary sense (although that’s the case from time to time) but I’m talking in horse-sense! My wife Sandi’s family had horses and mules while she was growing up. She has early memories of her dad breaking Barney their mule. The goal was to get Barney to not kick you in the head (which happened), and get him to accept handling. Breaking gets the animal to the point where they are compliant, manageable, and not dangerous. God’s breaking me right now! He’s teaching me that I can be effective for Him on my knees calling out to Him over the injustices, issues, problems, stupid decisions, ambivalence, etc., etc., that goes on with me and my world. God has fitted me with that bridle that keeps me manageable, only going in the direction that He wants. I’m learning to trust that! God allows me to be in a spot where all I can do is call out to Him and be totally dependent. I believe though, he would prefer that I follow willingly and naturally (Psalm 32:9). Horses can spook; mules will be stubborn; on narrow, wilderness trails this can prove to be a disaster! So, I’m working toward trusting and relying on His promises and being willingly compliant! Meditation: Find some alone time to call out on your knees to God for His providence and mercy for all that troubles you and is on your heart; and for praises too! Holy God that we adore: please humble us in order for us to be used in your will…help us to comply. Help us to turn. Help us to stay on the narrow trail that leads to faithfulness. Thank-you for your guidance! Amen!		Jeff Mangum
Reveal... November 4, 2008 Reading: John 1:1-14 Key Verse: John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." Reflection:  This is a powerful passage. Darkness can never overcome light. In our darkest times, we need to look to Jesus, and we will see the light. He cannot be extinguished, and His light will shine in the darkness of our soul and our mind. What is it about darkness that is so terrifying? It is that we can't see what is there. What do we do? Do we yell at the darkness...do we become frozen in the midst of it...or do we turn on the light? It is our choice. Jesus is our Light, and all we have to do is look at Him. I know this to be true. I have experienced many times of utter darkness in my life. I have turned to the Light of the World, the Son of God, and He has shone his Light, and my darkness disappeared, replaced with warmth, with Light, and with knowledge. Meditation:  Isn't it comforting to know that God's Light is always there? That the darkness can never extinguish it? Think of your darkest moments, and allow the Son of God to shine His light upon them. The darkness will vanish, and you will see your way illuminated. Write down what God has done for you. Lord Jesus, please shine your light in my life. My darkness seems so complete at times, and I can't see the way. Provide a candle, a beam, a searchlight, to illuminate my soul and my path. I believe in you, Lord, and that you can and you will light up my life. Amen.		Denise Weston
Reveal... November 3, 2008 Reading: Matthew 6:9-13 Reflection:  This is the earthy, raw prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples on a hillside. I am challenged by the two mentions of God’s will being done. I find that often times when I am seeking God, I pray for the way that I can imagine that He would answer. But the prayer says “do what’s best” and “You’re in charge! You can do anything you want!” In seeking God to reveal something to me, I seem to get caught up in wanting to see God reveal something huge and powerful. I never seem to pray that he will reveal something small and seemingly insignificant. But that is because I can’t see the whole picture. I hear these incredible stories of people in the Bible that did heroic things for God or even stories from our day that tell of life-changing experiences that people are having and I want that! I want to make a difference. However, God is the one who gets to choose what it is that He desires to reveal. Our job is to be watching and waiting, ready to respond when he calls. Even though the waiting is so hard I know without a doubt that our God can be trusted, even when we don’t understand it all. Meditation:  Think of a time in your life when God used something seemingly insignificant to transform your way of thinking, your attitude toward someone, your outlook on life, etc. Dear God, Thank you for being you! I choose to trust you, even when I don’t understand everything. Would you reveal to me what YOU want me to see? Your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts higher than my thoughts and so I trust that you are working in me greater things than I could ever imagine for myself. Amen.		Christie Sims