HOUSE
Today's reading: Nehemiah 1-3

"The priests repaired the wall up the hill from the Horse Gate, each one doing the section immediately opposite his own house." Nehemiah 3:28 NLT

House- a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families; a building in which something is sheltered or stored.

Is this what God intended when He told us to love our neighbors?

How different our neighborhoods would be if we set out to 'repair' the parts of the city immediately opposite our own homes.

The surroundings of our houses.

The immediate influences on our families.

Maybe, just maybe, it's how God designed us to change the world--one neighborhood at a time.

I'll work on mine! You work on yours!

ASHAMED
Today's reading: Ezra 7-10

"I prayed, O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens." Ezra 9:6 NLT

Ashamed-feeling shame, guilt or disgrace; disappointed.

The prophet Ezra spoke on behalf of God's people.

God was about to lead them out of captivity, only to find that while in captivity the family of priests had followed pagan ways.

Ezra was broken.

Ezra was embarrassed.

Ezra was disappointed.

Ezra was right to be.

Sin dirties us, conviction points that dirt out and repentance redirects us.

But we don't see sin as we used to, as individuals, as churches, as a family of God.

We view sin as minor slips ups, infarctions, mistakes, mis-steps and errors in judgement.

It's when we begin to see sin as God sees it, we'll be ashamed, we'll be embarrassed, we'll be desperately wanting God's forgiveness and to make changes.

DISCOURAGE
Today's reading: Ezra 4-6

"Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work." Ezra 4:4 NLT

Discourage-to deprive of courage or confidence; to dishearten.

Ever had your balloon popped? The props knocked out from under you? Your sails lashed?

It's hard.

It's frustrating.

It makes you re-think all you believe you had been told, led to do, are capable of.

It feels like the blood flow is being cut off to any ounce of hope you once held.

Here is how this verse was written in another translation:

"Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building." Ezra 4:4 KJV

Their hands were tied with doubt.

Their minds were filled with criticisms.

The fire in their hearts were doused by angry, accusatory, doubt-filled words.

Here is what we must remember...our accusers, condemn-ers, nay-sayers are not the ones who have given us the courage we need in the first place.

They cannot take what they have not given!

Our courage comes from God. And He is not in the business of discouraging His children in His work!

RECORDS
Today's reading: Ezra 1-3

"But they had lost their genealogical records, so they were not allowed to serve as priests." Ezra 2:62 NLT

Records-documentation of past events.

It doesn't require my birth certificate to prove I am a child of God.

There is no publicly notarized document stating I was saved on an Easter Sunday in a little country church.

Only a few grainy pictures exist of the farm-pond baptism I took part in.

I've not been recorded on television leading millions in an altar call.

So how would I ever 'prove' my allegiance to Christ? That I'm His? That I'm a part of the family of God?

My only records exist in my heart.

Where I know things changed that Easter Sunday. Where I know, without a doubt, I have been adopted into God's family. Where I know the baptism I took part in was an effort on my part to follow after my Savior's example.

TIRED
Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians 1-3

"And I say to the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good." 2 Thessalonians 5:13 NLT

Tired-drained of strength and energy ; fatigued often to the point of exhaustion; obviously worn by hard use; to be utterly spiritless.

How do you think God intends us to continue on without becoming weary, tired and worn out?

Might it be that He expects us to daily renew ourselves, our intentions and our attitudes with Him?

Could it be that He wants us to consistently check in with Him in regards to how we are doing, how much we are doing and how much we are pulling others in to help us in doing?

Maybe it's that He wants us to keep our eyes on Him, not on our audience, not on ourselves, not even on our harvest?

To never get tired of doing good is a tall order, but one God fully expects us to be able to do with His help!

PATIENT
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-5

"Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT

Patient-able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people; bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint.

I have always considered myself a patient person.

I can wait in a waiting room.

I can wait my turn.

I can wait for the next step in the path God has me on.

I am not a hot-head who blows my stack when things don't go my way.

I don't pace.

I don't drum my fingers in a bothered wait.

I realize things come and go.

Trials pass.

Seasons change when God needs them to change.

I'm pretty mellow. Pretty laid back.

But...

I like to complain about the inconvenience after the fact.

About who I had to deal with.

About how long it took them to get to my turn.

About how much of my life I frittered away.

About the disorganization that wasted my time.

About poor scheduling practices.

About the rudeness, meanness or lack of manners the person dealing with me showed.

So, that makes me impatient.

Without complaining...hmmm.

So, according to the definition, I am not patient.

BECAME
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 34-36

"All the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. They followed the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem." 2 Chronicles 36:14 NLT

Became-to come to be; to come into existence; to undergo change or development.

God's people allowed themselves to 'change according to the times'.

They let society alter them, and their beliefs.

They permitted the world to sneak in on them and make changes that drew them away from God.

They authorized, consented to, condoned and tolerated things God stood against and it did an evil work in their hearts and minds.

They became their neighbors. They became the ungodly. They became the enemies of God.

I have to ask myself, and you in reading this, what are we allowing ourselves to become? What happenings, social events, worldly issues or circumstances are we letting change us? What are we permitting to draw us farther and farther away from God and our faith?

APPROPRIATELY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 31-33

"About that time, Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the Lord, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord's anger came against him and against Jerusalem and Judah." 2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NLT

Appropriately- especially suitable or compatible; fitting.

Here is what has happened...

Hezekiah was making great changes in Israel. He was leading to people back to God. He was restoring the Temple. He was protecting what was God's.

Hezekiah saw God do a mighty miracle in defeating the enemy armies and in seeing God respond to his prayers.

In the midst of the changes he had to make...

In the shadows of enemy armies....

In the social reform he stirred up...

He made wise choices. He pressed on. He honored God.

It's when success and esteem and great wealth were laid at his feet that he stumbled in his faith.

Hezekiah became proud, not humbled.

He didn't respond appropriately to all God had done for him.

He became comfortable, content and completely enamored by all the attention.

We've all had 'Hezekiah moments', days, weeks, seasons. Times when we become so complimentary of all we've accomplished God is left out of our conversations. We are too busy patting ourselves on the back to praise and honor and thank the One who made it all possible.

We must constantly and consistently be appropriate in our praise!

RETURN
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 28-30

"At the king's command, messengers were sent throughout Israel and Judah. They carried the king's letter which said: O people of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, so that he will return to the few of us who have survived the conquest of the Assyrian kings." 2 Chronicles 30:6 NLT

Return-to go back or come back again, to bring, send or put back to a former or proper place.

With each and every choice I make I am either returning to the Lord or taking one step farther away from Him.

Every choice.

Each decision.

I am choosing between drawing closer to Him or pushing Him away.

I am selecting to either prosper or to flail.

I am fighting against what I was created to do or serving my own sinful nature.

You are making those choices, too.

Will today be the day we return to Him?

WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-27

"Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly." 2 Chronicles 25:2 NLT

Wholeheartedly-completely and sincerely devoted, determined or enthusiastic; marked by complete earnest commitment; free from all reserve or hesitation.

I'd have liked it to look a little more polished...

I'd rather it had come across as not so blatant...

I'd prefer that the question not even need to be asked...

I'd like to tell you that when God highlighted this verse on the page of my Bible I wasn't convicted...

I'd like to yell a loud, 'No, not me, Lord!'...

Here is what He spoke to my heart:

Am I guilty of the same thing?

RESTORE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 22-24

"Some time later, Joash decided to repair and restore the Temple of the Lord." 2 Chronicles 24:4 NLT

Restore-to put or bring back into existence or use; to return to an earlier or original condition by repairing it or cleaning it.

Where has spending time in the Lord's house fallen on your 'list of things to do'?

Is it still high on your list?

Is it what you do, rain or shine, headache or health, ball season or not?

Has it been a while since you've sat in a pew, worshipped the Lord with your whole heart and felt the love of Christian brothers and sisters in your church family?

Has your corporate worship been sporadic to say the least?

Are you wondering if people even remember who you are?

Might tomorrow be the Sunday you begin to restore fellowship with the Lord and with His people back to its proper place in your life?

You've been missing it.

Your life has been suffering because of it.

Your witness has been dirtied by it.

Your soul has been hungry for it.

MOMENT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 19-21

"At the moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves." 2 Chronicles 20:22 NLT

Moment-a particular time; a precise point in time; a stage in historical or logical development.

Moments are interesting things.

They pass quickly, almost unnoticeable.

They mark specific landmarks in time, in our lives, in our days, in our circumstances.

They are revered most appreciatively from the rear-view mirror.

Moments are also moldable.

You can manage them. You can direct them. You can choose where they will take you, what they will do to you and what kind of effect they will have on you once that point in time is over.

What are you doing with your current moment?

There is nothing like King Jehoshaphat's account to remind us that we all need to praise the moment through.

Sing praise as we approach whatever battle looms.

Praise as the cannons explode, the fiery darts zing and the lies of the enemy are surrounding us.

Praise as we recall all He has done for us.

Praise for what we believe He can do.

Take your moment and mold it into a worship service!

ONLY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-18

"But Micaiah replied, As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what my God tells me to say." 2 Chronicles 18:13 NLT

Only-no more than, nothing other than.

Lord,

Let this be my prayer...

That I would ONLY say what You would have me say.

That every word that comes from my mouth be guided by You.

That my responses, my remarks, my reactions be Yours.

Oh, what a difference my listeners will hear!

STAY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 13-15

"...Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you." 2 Chronicles 15:2 NLT

Stay- (verb) to continue in a place or condition; to stand firm; to take up residence; to stick or remain with.

I love the very idea of God and I sticking together!

I cling to Him and He cannot shake me.

I'm harder to shake than a piece of bubble gum on a shoe!

Tighter than the 'stick-tights' I get on my pant legs when I walk through the woods.

I adhere to His side like a price tag that's firmly attached to an item you've purchased.

He won't leave my side.

His words won't leave my heart.

There is no where I can go that He won't follow me and lead me back to Him.

I'm going to stay with God--and I'm sleeping soundly at night knowing He will always stay with me.

SERVE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 10-12

"The Levites even abandoned their homes and property and moved to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons would not allow them to serve the Lord." 2 Chronicles 11:14 NLT

Serve-to be of use.

I believe it's time.

Yep, the time has come.

We, Christians, need to be reminded that serving God has less to do with what we want to do than what He needs done.

God asks that we 'be of use'.

Not necessarily that we be 'up front', be recognized or be in the spotlight.

No matter where it is.

No matter the task.

No matter who notices.

This is the perfect week for this 'realization'--it's Vacation Bible School week.

There are SO many things being done, up front on the stage, in the kitchen as snacks are prepared, in the homes of the praying saints who cannot make it to church each evening, in the janitor's closet as the mayhem is swept up each evening, in the pews as little ones are comforted as mom drops them off for the first time.

Be of use--where ever it is He has you!

HUMBLE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 7-9

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

Humble-(verb)to make not proud or haughty in spirit or manner; to destroy the power, independence or prestige of.

I'll tell you, I had a difficult time with the second definition of 'humble', in regards to our God.

It's hard to think about Him destroying something in us.

Breaking us.

Removing something from us forcibly.

And yet, if we want to truly serve Him, heart, soul, mind and strength, He must take the power, independence and prestige we hold for ourselves within ourselves.

He must do some demolition work.

He must break us in order to get to the down-deep parts of us that He needs, and so desires, to re-make for His glory.

He yearns for us to 'be in our place' in regards to Him.

He aches to see us love Him as He created us to do.

He places people and circumstances in our lives that point to our need for Him, and how insufficient we are.

He can and will humble us, but He desires that we worshipfully do it ourselves.

GOOD
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 4-6

"The trumpeters and singer performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices and praise the Lord with these words: He is good! His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 5:13 NLT

Good-of a favorable character or tendency.

God is good.

We've sang those very words since childhood.

God is good.

God is so good.

Seems like a lacking word when it comes to referring to our Savior Creator Friend.

I mean, think about it, ice cream is good.

But not like 'God-good', is it?

There has to be a grander word. A more encompassing word. A word with a broader scope of definition. A word that more fully grasps just Who He is.

So, what would the word be for you?

God is _______.

MILITARY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-3

"Solomon built up a huge military force, which included fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses. He stationed many of them in the chariot cities, and some near him in Jerusalem." 2 Chronicles 1:14 NLT

Military-of or relating to soldiers, arms or war.

Within verses of Solomon stepping in to fill his father David's shoes as king...

Within verses of God appearing to Solomon in a dream and Solomon wisely asking for wisdom over riches or power...

Within verses of God speaking a promise to Solomon that would enrobe him with riches, wealth and honor...

Just prior to Solomon beginning to build the Temple of the Lord...

We see Solomon surround himself with an army.

We see him in the stables selecting the finest and strongest horses and the most agile of charioteers.

We see Solomon make his first executive decision and wise choice--to set up a network of fighting men to surround him as he goes about this God-sized and God-ordained and God-honoring task.

We need to do the same!

When you step out to do what God's asked you to do, have in a place an army of warriors, prayer warriors.

Know before you say 'I do', to what it is God's asking you to accomplish for Him that there will be a fight and that you need folks on your left and right, before and behind you, praying you through it.

You will need weapons of war, knowledge of the Word, trust in His promises, belief in His timing, His ways and His miracles.

Muster an army!

OVERFLOW
Today's reading: Colossians 1-4

"Let your roots go down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7 NLT

Overflow-to flow over bounds; to fill a space to capacity and spread beyond its limits.

You're not attempting to keep God contained to a small place in your life, are you?

Saving Him for Sunday?

For during your specified church service?

For only at home in your prayer chair?

Let Him out of the box you are attempting to put Him in!

Think about Him often and see how much bigger your heart gets.

Thank Him profusely for all He's done and see how much more you find you have to thank Him for.

Talk about Him more often and see who is really willing to listen.

Trying to contain God is a fruitless effort.

Let Him overflow--into your workplace, your day, your job, your chores, your conversations, your recreation.

KNOW
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29

"And Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9 NLT

Know-to have an understanding of; to be aware of the truth or factuality of; to have knowledge of by experience.

Of all the advice David could have given his son, to know God is what he chose.

To know God, as in understand Him in a personal way.

To have a knowledge of God that goes as deep as the knowledge of one's self.

To grasp the enormity of Him and still be amazed at the small things He allows us to see.

To have sought Him out often enough that being in His presence fulfills one's deepest desires.

To be able to compare what the enemy says against truth.

Getting to know God is a lifelong task that will only benefit us and please Him in the process!

RESPONSIBLE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 23-26

"The work of the Levites was to assist the priests...They were responsible to check all the weights and measures." 1 Chronicles 23:28-29 NLT

Responsible-having the job or duty of dealing with or taking care of something or someone.

What an odd job--to be the weights and measures police in the Lord's house.

To determine that the scale was right.

To make sure a pound weighed sixteen ounces or a foot was twelve inches in length, or in this case a homer weighed what a homer should and a cubit was as long as a cubit should be.

But in the Temple?

In a place where trust and honesty should be paramount?

This clan of Levites had the job of making sure things were evenly weighed and measured.

Maybe, just maybe, we still need a group like that in our foyers and information booths today.

To make sure we're doling out grace as equally to one as another.

To insure our love is being scattered evenly to the little old grannies and the big, burly biker guys with tattoos.

To spread the Gospel as enthusiastically to the child who listens intently and to the whirlwind that cannot sit in a chair more than thirty seconds.

To be as kind to the grouchy man as to the cute little baby.

Our responsibility is to be fair in our dealings, with Christians and with the not-yet Christians.

We cannot go around determining for ourselves who deserves it and who doesn't--because if that is what is put in the 'scales', none of us would measure up!

GIANTS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 19-22

"These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but they were killed by David and his warriors." 1 Chronicles 20:8 NLT

Giant-a legendary humanlike being of great stature and strength; something unusually large or powerful.

The Bible timelines I looked at vary in the number of years between when David fought Goliath and when he defeated Goliath's relatives in 1 Chronicles 20. One says about 50 years and another says it may be closer to 70 years.

Which ever one is correct, that's a long time to have a giant looming.

Because David knew they were still around.

He saw the brothers of Goliath run as David whacked off Goliath's head on the battlefield of Elah that day.

He knew they would return.

Maybe your giants have been hanging around that long--or longer.

Old habits. Addictions. Temptations. Repeated sins.

Something unusually large or powerful in your life.

Too big for you to deal with on your own. Too strong for you to break the chains by yourself.

Today's words tell me that it's never too late for the giants to be defeated.

Yours or mine!

SEARCH
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 16-18

"Search for the Lord and for his strength. and keep on searching." 1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT

Search-to look into or over carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something; to uncover or find or come to know by inquiry.

I'm very often guilty of expecting God to drop into my lap blessings, words of hope or answers to my questions.

I expect Him to present Himself when I call.

To appear on a whim.

But it tells me this morning that the effort is on my part.

I'm to search for Him.

To look hard.

To uncover Him in the toughest times, the darkest days and the most inconsequential moments.

I'm to make an effort to see where He is, and join Him there.

And I'm to continue doing it until I stand before Him face to face!

PROPER
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 13-15

"Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it in the proper way." 1 Chronicles 15:13 NLT

Proper-strictly accurate; very good, excellent; marked by suitability, rightness or appropriateness.

Lord,

I've heard You speak to me heart in regards to a few things we need to set right.

...Things that are taking Your place.

...Ideas I may be putting ahead of You.

...Thoughts that override my mind being focused on You.

I want to obey You in ridding my life of those sins-but more than that I want to get rid of them in the way You desire I do it.

Sure, I can try it on my own. I've made many attempts. I've failed as many times!

I want to know the proper way, Your way, of removing sin from my heart and life.

I know I begin with asking Your forgiveness of them.

Then I move to believing You have forgiven me.

But it's the next steps.

It's when those thoughts, ideas and desires come back--what's the proper way to handle them?

How do You want me to do it so that it's done?

What's the proper way?

How will You receive the most glory and I will be made to be more like Your Son?

PURPOSE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-12

"All these men came in battle array to Hebron with the single purpose of making David the king of Israel. In fact, all Israel agreed that David should be their king." 1 Chronicles 12:38 NLT

Purpose-something set up as an object or end to be attained.

Before our teeth are brushed, our hair combed, our make-up applied or our tennis shoes on, we've got to determine what our purpose is for today.

We cannot wait for the day to assign this task.

We cannot assume the world will know what it is and work on its level to help us with it.

We've got to talk to God about what today will be about.

Him.

Loving Him. Serving Him. Honoring Him. Obeying Him. Telling about Him. Showing Him to the world through all our choices.

That is our purpose.

UNFAITHFUL
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 7-9

"...The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord." 1 Chronicles 9:1 NLT

Unfaithful-not adhering to vows, allegiance or duty.

A punch to the gut...

Where is my disobedience leading me?

Where will it take me?

What will it take from me?

What am I willing to lose just to do things my way, in my own time and with my best interest at heart?

God asks, then God leaves it in my court--obey, or don't.

The consequences are completely up to me.

What will my faithfulness, or unfaithfulness, get me?

DESCENDANT
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 4-6

Descendant-one originating or coming from an ancestral stock or source.

Aah, the genealogies of Israel.

The begats.

The family tree in written form.

I know all about family lines as my family has a very rich (in honor, not in currency) family tree that has been traced back several, and I mean several, branches.

Descendants of mine were the first settlers in our county.

I remember sitting up straighter in class the day in fourth grade our teacher taught 'county history' and my last name was read.

I thought I was something that day!

Royalty, of sorts.

As I read the genealogies of the Bible I think of all that has been passed on to me.

No, not family heirlooms, large estates or crown jewels.

I'm thinking about genetics. Predispositions. Beliefs. Community. Pride. A legacy of strength, perseverance and godliness.

As a child of God, I've been given those things, too, and so much more.

I've been specifically and meticulously placed into a family of believers where I feel free to worship, grow, spend time at the altar and celebrate life. I've been surrounded by brothers and sisters of the same Father.

And I've been given the job of passing it on to the next generation.

And the generation after that.

FILLED
Today's reading: Psalm 70-72

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, God is great!" Psalm 70:4 NLT

Filled-to have put into as much as can be held or conveniently contained.

Ever searched for God and come away full to overflowing?

Ever sought His face only to be rewarded with His entire presence?

Ever looked intently for Him and found more of Him than you'd ever found before?

I loved how the definition says, 'what can be held or conveniently contained'.

The 'convenient' part makes me laugh!

Never is God's concern our convenience.

Our eternity, is what concerns Him.

Our faith, is what concerns Him.

Our dependence upon Him, is what concerns Him.

Our being overwhelmed and filled--inconveniently so, is what concerns Him.

FAVOR
Today's reading: Psalm 67-69

"But I keep right on praying to you, Lord, hoping this is the time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation." Psalm 69:13 NLT

Favor-friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior.

I won't even attempt to know the exact things David was feeling as he wrote this psalm. I'm not sure where he was at this point in his life, what battle he was facing, what cave he might have been hiding in, what monumental giant stood in his path.

I don't know if this psalm was written on the occasion of the first time David sought God, the one hundred, fifteenth time or the ten thousandth time.

But I believe I know this...

David knew God had it in Him to do it one more time.

David knew that of all he had asked God of, there was still more--a lot more, of God left to go around.

David knew God's favor was his only hope.

David knew he had not exceeded God's unfailing love!

Friend, you know that, too, don't you?

You've not asked too many times.

You've not required His help more times than is your allotted amount.

You've not slipped past where He can reach you.

You've not used up His favor--there is plenty more in His heart for you!

IGNORE
Today's reading: Psalm 62-66

"Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw his unfailing love from me." Psalm 66:20 NLT

Ignore-to refuse to take notice of; to refuse to show that you hear or see; to do nothing about or in response to.

God has every right to disregard my calls for help.

Every right.

He knows I often times save Him for a last resort...my 9-1-1 of sorts.

He knows I have a tendency to follow His leadings when it suits me, when it's most comfortable for me, when I see several steps ahead and where it might be leading.

He knows I tend to rely on other idols. Worthless, faceless, powerless, images that I believe hold help for me.

And yet He never ignores my prayers.

He never withdraws His unfailing love from me!