July 1

Today's Reading

2 Kings. Hezekiah first fell into the temptation to rescue himself by his own works. He even took the gold dedicated to the Lord and tried to bribe his way out of trouble. How many times have I done the equivalent? I get into a mess and, rather than repent, I try to get myself out of the mess. One reason it's tempting to do it that way is because our flesh wants to remain in control of our lives. Repenting means yielding my life to God. Hezekiah repented and God delivered him. I love this passage and it always challenges me to put my trust only in the Lord. Only when He is in control do I find full joy.

Acts. Paul knew that he had to travel a specific road in order to obey God. It's amazing how various ones foresaw the troubles ahead of him and tried to warn him off. Instead Paul chose to listen to the still, small voice of God and keep moving ahead; even if it meant he would die. What an example of devotion! Someone said that the safest place to stay is in the center of God's will.

Psalms. I fear that sometimes we are so "civilized" that we don't really release ourselves in praise. We are afraid of looking foolish.

Proverbs. I must watch my heart regarding this verse. In my flesh, I love to hear rumors about people -- especially ones I don't particularly like.

And you? What is God saying to you today? Do you have questions for us?